Taylor Farms Removes Iceberg Lettuce from U.S. Market Amid Cyclospora Outbreak

Taylor Farms announced on Friday that it is voluntarily removing all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico from the U.S. market amid a Cyclospora outbreak. The statement, released after the company’s internal review, comes after reports that the producer had identified contaminated batches produced at a Guanajuato facility and that the affected product had already entered the supply chain. A photo of the harvested lettuce, taken by Tony Hertz for Getty Images, accompanies the company’s notice.

According to Reuters, Taylor Farms instructed major customers—including Yum Brands owner Taco Bell and distributor Sysco—to pull shredded lettuce that had originally been packaged as 5‑pound bags from the Guanajuato plant. Taco Bell confirmed that the ingredient has been removed indefinitely from its nationwide supply chain and will be replaced within 24 hours. The move follows a broader industry response to Cyclospora cases linked to leafy greens, prompting recalls and heightened testing across the sector.

The recall underscores the ongoing challenge of ensuring food safety for produce that travels across international borders. By withdrawing the Mexican-sourced lettuce and working with distributors to secure replacements, Taylor Farms and its partners aim to protect consumers while maintaining supply chain continuity.