FDA Names Potential Cyclospora as Cause of Taylor Farms Lettuce Recall; Major Retailers and Chains Affected

Updated: A Food and Drug Administration (FDA) report released August 8 provides fuller details about the July 2026 Taylor Farms recall, identifying potential Cyclospora contamination as the reason for removing packaged iceberg and romaine lettuce from the market.

The FDA report indicates the recall involves approximately 236,192 cases of iceberg and romaine lettuce; some of the affected product was reportedly blended with other produce such as carrots and red cabbage. The affected items were sourced from Mexico and distributed widely across the United States.

Who Received the Affected Product

The report lists major retail and foodservice customers by name and quantity received or pulled:

ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA – JULY 29: Packages of Taylor Farms Sweet Kale Chopped Kit are displayed for sale in the refrigerated produce department at a Costco Wholesale warehouse on July 29, 2026 in Arlington, Virginia. (Photo by Kevin Carter/Getty Images)

• Walmart (Marketside): 109,476 cases described as “iceberg salad” and “shredded lett” (shredded lettuce)
• Subway: 8,075 cases listed as “shred lettuce”; “iceberg only products” are also noted
• Jack in the Box: 5,130 cases of iceberg lettuce removed
• Yum! Brands (Taco Bell named): 5,900 cases attributed to Yum!; Taco Bell is the only Yum! chain explicitly identified so far
• Other accounts named include Cross Valley Farms, Peak Lettuce Salad, Markon, US Foods and Sysco

Distribution and Consumer Guidance

The FDA report says the produce originated in Mexico and was distributed to at least 28 U.S. states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin.

What consumers should do: Check package labels and retailer recall notices. If you have purchased the affected products, follow retailer or FDA guidance—do not eat the product and discard it or return it for a refund. Seek medical attention if you experience symptoms consistent with Cyclospora infection (e.g., watery diarrhea, fatigue, abdominal cramping) and tell your provider about possible exposure.

Context and Reactions

The Consumer Federation of America criticized Taylor Farms for previously using abbreviated or unclear customer codes (for example, “CV” for Cross Valley Farms and “MKTSD” for Marketside), saying the shorthand made it difficult for consumers to identify affected products and responsible parties. The FDA’s more detailed August 8 report addresses those transparency concerns by naming more accounts and quantities.

The FDA continues to investigate and publish updates. Consumers seeking the latest official guidance should consult the FDA recall notice and follow local public health advisories.