U.S. — FDA staff are continuing to inspect and test produce at the Taylor Farms facility in cooperation with Mexican government officials. The FDA last inspected Taylor Farms de Mexico seven years prior to the outbreak. Taylor Fresh Foods, Inc. doing business as Taylor Farms, is an American-based producer of fresh-cut fruits and vegetables based in Salinas, California. As of 2009, Taylor Farms was ranked as the world's largest salad and fresh-cut vegetable processor.

The FDA stated it remains confident that all recalled iceberg lettuce related to this specific cyclospora outbreak is off the market. Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that commonly causes watery diarrhea with frequent and sometimes explosive bowel movements. Symptoms of cyclosporiasis usually begin about one week after infection and include severe diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, and fatigue.

The CDC reported approximately 17,180 confirmed cyclosporiasis cases in the U.S. this year. There have been 922 hospitalizations related to cyclosporiasis in the U.S. this year. In 2019, approximately 4,700 cyclosporiasis illnesses were reported nationally, marking the previous highest annual total.

At least six other cyclospora outbreaks with unidentified sources are under active investigation by the FDA's Coordinated Outbreak Response & Evaluation team. As of July 1, 2025, states are only required to report Salmonella and STEC cases to FoodNet, removing the reporting requirement for Cyclospora and five other pathogens.

Why It Matters

This outbreak represents an increase in cyclosporiasis cases compared to historical data, with the current total far exceeding the previous highest annual total of approximately 4,700 illnesses reported in 2019. The involvement of a major international supplier and the confirmation of cases across 20 states illustrate the complexities of monitoring food safety in global supply chains.

The change in reporting requirements as of July 1, 2025, which removed Cyclospora from mandatory FoodNet reporting, affects how future outbreaks will be detected and tracked at the national level. Federal agencies are coordinating with international partners to address the source of contamination while legal actions proceed against associated entities.

Timeline

On November 30, 2021, the final rule titled Removal of the Vaccine Requirements for Head Start Programs was issued, which removes the vaccine and testing requirements included in the Interim Final Rule with Comment Period titled, Vaccine and Mask Requirements To Mitigate the Spread of COVID-19 in Head Start Programs.

What's New

Later reporting indicates the CDC estimates 10,930 cases, 454 hospitalizations, and two deaths connected to the national outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce. Additional data shows Iowa has 327 confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis from 58 counties, with Dallas County having the highest number of cyclosporiasis cases in Iowa. Historical records for the state show Iowa recorded 53 Cyclospora cases in 2022, 52 in 2023, 62 in 2024, and 69 in 2025. National surveillance figures from FoodNet data shows 717 cyclosporiasis cases in 2024, 524 in 2023, and 446 in 2022.

How Sources Differ

Sources differ on confirmed case counts. The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services weekly report states Iowa has 327 confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis from 58 counties. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data reports approximately 17,180 confirmed cyclosporiasis cases in the U.S. this year.

Sources also present different details regarding outbreak scope. The Food and Drug Administration statement notes cyclosporiasis cases linked to the recalled iceberg lettuce outbreak have been confirmed in 20 states. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data estimates 10,930 cases, 454 hospitalizations, and two deaths connected to the national outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data further estimates 10,930 cases, 454 hospitalizations, and two deaths connected to the national outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce, while the Food and Drug Administration statement confirms cyclosporiasis cases linked to recalled iceberg lettuce in Georgia, Tennessee, and Texas.