The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an apology on Sunday, July 19, 2026, after acknowledging that test results linking iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms to a cyclosporiasis outbreak were a false positive. The agency stated that it has not yet identified the actual source of the outbreak, which has affected dozens of people across multiple states.
According to the FDA, the initial tests indicated the presence of Cyclospora cayetanensis, a parasite that causes cyclosporiasis, in lettuce supplied to Taco Bell restaurants. However, further investigation revealed that the results were incorrect. The FDA apologized for the error and emphasized its commitment to food safety and accurate testing.
The cyclosporiasis outbreak, first reported in late June 2026, has sickened at least 80 people in 10 states, with hospitalizations reported but no deaths. Symptoms include watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, and fatigue. The FDA continues to work with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state partners to trace the contamination source.
Taylor Farms, a major produce supplier based in Salinas, California, has not commented on the false positive test. Taco Bell had temporarily removed iceberg lettuce from its menus in affected regions as a precaution, but has since resumed normal operations after the FDA's announcement.
Health officials advise consumers to practice safe food handling, including washing produce thoroughly, to reduce the risk of infection. The FDA has not issued a recall related to this outbreak.
