Taylor Fresh Foods has recalled iceberg lettuce distributed in Maryland and more than two dozen other states because of a possible connection to a widespread outbreak of Cyclospora infections.
Taylor Farms de Mexico, based in Guanajuato, Mexico, voluntarily removed all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico from the U.S. market on Friday, July 17, 2026.
The recalled shredded lettuce and salad products were distributed between June 29 and July 16 in Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania and 24 other states. Products were supplied to restaurants, food-service businesses and some retail stores.
Federal health officials are investigating an outbreak involving at least 1,644 illnesses in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia. At least 94 people have been hospitalized, and no deaths have been reported.
Illnesses began between May 13 and July 13, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Approximately 90% of patients interviewed about their food exposure reported eating iceberg lettuce. FDA traceback work identified Taylor Farms de Mexico as the common supplier of shredded iceberg lettuce used at Taco Bell restaurants where patients reported eating before becoming sick.
Although recalled products were distributed in Maryland, the state is not currently listed among the five states with illnesses connected to this specific outbreak. Federal officials cautioned that the investigation remains ongoing and that additional restaurants, retailers, brands or distribution channels could be identified.
Retail Products Included in Recall
The recall includes Marketside-brand products sold at select Walmart stores:
- Marketside Iceberg Salad in 12-ounce and 24-ounce packages with “Best if Used By” dates from July 18 through August 3, 2026.
- Marketside Shredded Lettuce in 8-ounce and 16-ounce packages with dates from July 18 through August 3, 2026.
The FDA’s current list of Walmart locations that received the Marketside products does not include Maryland. However, numerous recalled food-service products were distributed in Maryland and could have been supplied to restaurants, cafeterias or other businesses.
Other recalled food-service brands and product codes include CV, JB, Mark, PK, SUB, SY and TF. Products include chopped lettuce, shredded lettuce, iceberg salad mixes and iceberg-romaine blends with use-by dates ranging from July 16 through August 3.
Consumers who have recalled lettuce should not eat it. The product should be discarded or returned to the place of purchase for a refund. Restaurants and consumers should also wash and sanitize containers, countertops and other surfaces that may have touched the lettuce.
FDA Revises Lettuce Test Finding
On July 19, the FDA clarified that a lettuce sample initially reported as testing positive for Cyclospora was reexamined and determined to be a false positive.
The agency said there were no confirmed positive lettuce samples as of July 19. However, the recall remains in effect, and federal investigators continue to cite epidemiological evidence and supply-chain traceback information linking the lettuce to the outbreak.
FDA and state authorities are continuing to collect and test additional product samples.
Symptoms of Cyclospora Infection
Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that can cause an intestinal illness known as cyclosporiasis. Symptoms commonly begin approximately one week after exposure but may appear anywhere from two days to two weeks or longer.
Symptoms may include:
- Frequent or watery diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Stomach cramps or pain
- Bloating and increased gas
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Vomiting
- Body aches
- Headache
- Low-grade fever
Symptoms can last for several days to a month or longer and may appear to improve before returning. People with weakened immune systems may experience more serious or prolonged illness.
Anyone experiencing prolonged or recurring diarrhea after eating iceberg lettuce should contact a healthcare provider. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said patients may need to specifically request testing for Cyclospora because routine stool testing does not always screen for the parasite.
Consumers with questions about the recall may contact Taylor Fresh Foods at 855-455-0098 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific time, Monday through Friday.
