Michigan health officials have recorded a sharp increase in confirmed Cyclospora cases, reaching 6,571 as of the latest update. Ohio reports 2,029 illnesses in the same outbreak. The parasite has been tied to iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms, prompting a recall and changes at major restaurant chains.
Case Counts Rise Quickly Across Two States
The Michigan total jumped from 6,148 cases reported just two days earlier. Many of those patients recalled eating iceberg lettuce on menu items from Taco Bell locations. The chain has since removed Taylor Farms lettuce from its supply chain in the affected areas.
Ohio’s count stands at 2,029 without a comparable daily update released yet. Combined, the two states account for the bulk of illnesses publicly detailed so far. Investigators continue to trace additional exposures through restaurant and retail channels.
Recall Targets Shredded Lettuce and Salad Kits
Taylor Farms issued a recall on July 17 covering shredded iceberg lettuce and any salad kits that contain it. The products reached major retailers including Walmart, Costco, Target, and Whole Foods, as well as restaurant operators such as McDonald’s and Taco Bell. Sysco, the large food-service distributor, also received affected shipments destined for hospitals, schools, and hotels.
The company maintains growing operations in California and Mexico and holds a significant share of the bagged-salad market. Its customers span both grocery shelves and food-service accounts nationwide.
CDC Data Lag Behind State Reports
As of July 21 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continued to list 1,644 confirmed cyclosporiasis cases spanning May 13 through July 13. The federal tally covers 34 states and notes that more than one outbreak appears to be underway. Another 5,100 illnesses remain under investigation.
The gap between state and federal numbers reflects differences in reporting timelines and case confirmation methods. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. stated during a July 21 briefing that the multistate outbreak is “under control” following extensive epidemiological work by the Department of Health and Human Services.
Past Incidents and Company Profile
Taylor Farms, founded by Bruce Taylor, operates as a large corporate producer with 25,000 employees and roughly $6 billion in annual revenue. It owns Earthbound Farm and supplies more than 40 percent of the U.S. bagged-salad market.
The company faced earlier Cyclospora issues in 2013 when salad mix from its Guanajuato facility sickened hundreds at Olive Garden and Red Lobster restaurants. In 2024, slivered onions processed at a Taylor Farms facility were linked to more than 100 illnesses and one death tied to McDonald’s Quarter Pounders. Federal inspectors later documented multiple violations at that plant, including sanitation shortfalls.
How the Parasite Spreads and What to Watch For
Cyclospora is a single-celled protozoan transmitted only through human fecal contamination of food or water. Unlike some bacterial pathogens, it does not originate from animal waste. Once ingested, the organism embeds in produce and resists ordinary washing.
Symptoms typically appear between two and 14 days after exposure and include watery diarrhea, severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and dehydration. Illness can last weeks, with symptoms sometimes easing and then returning. Specific laboratory tests are required for diagnosis, and treatment involves prescription antibiotics.
Anyone experiencing these symptoms after eating fresh produce or restaurant salads should contact a healthcare provider promptly. Public health agencies continue to monitor additional reports while the recall remains in effect.
AI Disclaimer: This article was created with the assistance of AI tools and reviewed by a human editor.