The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has declared the nation’s largest recorded multistate cyclosporiasis outbreak after contaminated iceberg lettuce sickened thousands of people across the country. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said it is continuing to investigate how the Cyclospora parasite entered the food supply.
Federal investigators linked the outbreak to processed iceberg lettuce from central Mexico sourced by Taylor Farms. The outbreak led to one of the largest food recalls in recent years.
Outbreak Sickened More Than 12,000 People Across 21 States
According to CDC data, 12,883 people in 21 states became ill after consuming contaminated lettuce. The outbreak resulted in 570 hospitalizations and two deaths. The cases linked to contaminated lettuce accounted for more than half of the 19,595 laboratory-confirmed cyclosporiasis infections reported nationwide since May 1.
At its peak, before the recall was issued, health authorities recorded more than 1,000 infections in a single day. By August, the CDC reported that the average number of infections associated with the outbreak had fallen to fewer than two per day.
The CDC announced that the outbreak had ended because all products associated with it had passed their best-by dates and were no longer available in stores or restaurants.
The agency said, “At this time, there is no risk of people getting sick with cyclosporiasis from this source. The best-by dates for all products linked to this outbreak have passed, and it is no longer available in stores or restaurants.”
Recall Followed Link to Lettuce From Central Mexico
Taylor Farms recalled all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico on July 17 after investigators connected the products to the outbreak.
While the CDC has declared the outbreak over, the FDA said its investigation remains active. The agency stated that it has completed inspections at lettuce farms and a processing facility in Mexico and has collected samples for testing. Analysis of those samples is still pending.
The FDA said it will continue working with U.S., Mexican, and state partners as it examines the source of contamination. The agency also said investigations into other Cyclospora clusters from the summer remain ongoing.
In a letter sent to supply chain industry leaders, the FDA said additional efforts are needed to reduce Cyclospora risks and called for the consistent implementation of prevention and mitigation practices throughout the supply chain. The agency also emphasized agricultural water management practices, worker health and hygiene controls, building and equipment sanitation practices, and strong supplier verification.
Michigan Recorded the Highest Number of Reported Cases
Michigan recorded the largest number of illnesses linked to the outbreak. Federal and state health officials reported more than 14,000 cases and two deaths in the state. Ohio and Missouri also recorded thousands of infections connected to contaminated lettuce from Taylor Farms.
Health officials said Michigan’s unusually high case total was attributed to a large backlog of reports processed during August.
The 2026 outbreak exceeded previous records. Before 2026, the largest U.S. cyclosporiasis season on record occurred in 2019, when roughly 4,700 illnesses were documented nationwide.
Across all reported U.S. cyclosporiasis cases between May 1 and September 8, infections were reported in 49 states and Washington, D.C. The median age of infected individuals was 46 years. Women accounted for 56% of cases, while men represented 44%.
Cyclosporiasis symptoms typically begin about one week after infection and can include watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramps, bloating, and increased digestive gas. Less common symptoms include vomiting, body aches, headaches, and low-grade fever.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has ended its investigation into the largest U.S. cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to Taylor Farms lettuce. The outbreak highlighted ongoing concerns about foodborne illnesses associated with contaminated fresh produce.
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal infection caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. People typically become infected by consuming food or water contaminated with the parasite. Symptoms can include frequent diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, fatigue, and loss of appetite.
Cyclosporiasis and Contaminated Produce
Fresh fruits and vegetables can sometimes become contaminated during growing, harvesting, processing, or preparation. The Taylor Farms investigation placed particular attention on lettuce as health officials worked to identify the source of cyclosporiasis infections.
