Lettuce Supplier Faces False Positive Test Amid Cyclospora Outbreaks
Federal officials announced on Sunday that lettuce samples from a supplier previously implicated in Cyclospora outbreaks across multiple states yielded false positive results for the parasite.
Discovery of the False Positive
The erroneous result was identified on Saturday during a review by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which examined a sample from Taylor Farms in Mexico that initially reported a positive finding.
FDA Confirms No Positive Results for Cyclospora
As of July 19, 2026, the FDA confirmed in a statement that no validated positive test results for Cyclospora have been reported. This latest false positive does not affect the previous voluntary recall initiated by the company concerning iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico.
Ongoing Collaboration with Public Health Authorities
Taylor Farms, a supplier of lettuce for Taco Bell and various grocery chains, continues to collaborate with the FDA to ensure products linked to this outbreak are effectively removed from store shelves.
Clarification from Taylor Farms
In a statement released on Sunday night, Taylor Farms expressed its belief that the FDA had made an error with its report. The company reiterated that no positive product tests for Cyclospora had been identified by the agency.
Update on the Outbreak Situation
The FDA had initially disclosed details regarding the positive test on Saturday but later retracted the information. They clarified that the product in question was not part of the existing Taylor Farms recall while stating that the company was assessing whether any affected lots were still available in consumer or commercial markets.
Recall Details and Consumer Warnings
On Friday, Taylor Farms de Mexico announced a voluntary recall of iceberg lettuce from central Mexico due to potential Cyclospora contamination. The FDA noted that these recalled products were shipped to retailers across 27 states, including locations serving Taco Bell in several states where individuals had reported illness following consumption.
Health Consequences and Review of Testing Procedures
Since May 1, nearly 7,000 cases of cyclosporiasis have been confirmed or are under investigation in the United States, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Symptoms of food poisoning can include severe watery diarrhea, fatigue, and loss of appetite. The FDA indicated that Saturday’s positive result stemmed from erroneous amplification techniques used in lab testing.
Expert Opinions on Testing Challenges
Experts have weighed in on the situation, highlighting the complexities of laboratory testing for Cyclospora. Donald W. Schaffner, dean of Rutgers University’s School of Food Science, noted that the recall by Taylor Farms was justified regardless of the lab results. He commended the FDA for acknowledging its mistake regarding the positive test while calling for better data transparency in light of false positive rates in future announcements.
