Mexico's Health Ministry reported that lab tests on lettuce and water samples taken from Taylor Farms' central Mexico plant were negative for Cyclospora cayetanensis, with real-time PCR showing no detection in all 10 samples. The testing followed an inspection and sampling at the facility earlier this week. U.S. authorities have linked a cyclosporiasis outbreak to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell, and the FDA's traceback points to Taylor Farms products from Central Mexico. Investigations and further testing by health agencies are ongoing.
Mexico Finds No Cyclospora in Taylor Farms Lettuce Samples After Plant Inspection
The logo of Taylor Farms Mexico is seen at the company's facilities after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said on Monday that the basis for linking Taylor Farms lettuce from central Mexico to the largest U.S. foodborne illness outbreak in recent years remains unchanged, defending its decision to publicize a sample that a later review found was a false positive for the Cyclospora parasite, in Doctor Mora, Guanajuato state, Mexico, July 20, 2026. REUTERS/Demian Sanchez
MEXICO CITY, July 23 (Reuters) — Mexico's Health Ministry said on Thursday that laboratory tests on lettuce and water samples taken from U.S. supplier Taylor Farms were negative for Cyclospora cayetanensis. The samples were collected during a health inspection and sampling at the company's plant in central Mexico earlier this week.
Laboratory Findings:
A drone view shows Taylor Farms Mexico's facilities after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said on Monday that the basis for linking Taylor Farms lettuce from central Mexico to the largest U.S. foodborne illness outbreak in recent years remains unchanged, defending its decision to publicize a sample that a later review found was a false positive for the Cyclospora parasite, in Doctor Mora, Guanajuato state, Mexico, July 20, 2026. REUTERS/Demian Sanchez
The ministry said the analyses, conducted using standard molecular methods including real-time PCR, were negative for Cyclospora cayetanensis in all 10 samples of raw materials and finished products.
U.S. health authorities have linked a cyclosporiasis outbreak, which can cause severe, sometimes prolonged diarrhea, to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell restaurants in several U.S. states. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has indicated traceback evidence points to Taylor Farms products originating in Central Mexico.
Mexican and U.S. officials continue their investigations. The ministry's results cover the 10 samples analyzed at the facility and do not alone determine the full scope of the outbreak; public health agencies are coordinating follow-up testing and traceback efforts.
Reporting by Sarah Morland; editing by Iñigo Alexander.
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