All articles tagged with #lettuce
California lettuce growers, including Salinas Valley farms, are destroying and pulling crops as demand collapses from a cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to Taylor Farms, with July lettuce sales down 8.7% and some growers reporting 20–30% revenue declines; the outbreak has sickened about 1,947 people across nine states, prompting discounts on lettuce-free menu items and layoffs for farmworkers.
Taco Bell’s leadership raced to contain a cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to Taylor Farms lettuce, pulling potentially affected iceberg lettuce and coordinating with franchisees as health officials investigated across five states; thousands were sickened and FDA warnings followed, while the company pressed to reassure customers and preserve its brand amid public concern.
FDA is investigating a second cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to a lettuce supply, with about 4,000 Americans sick across 41 states since May 1 and 72 new illnesses reported in the latest update; the outbreak source has not yet been identified and authorities have not disclosed where cases occurred, as officials emphasize surveillance and urge at-risk individuals to avoid bagged lettuce while investigations continue.
In an Oval Office briefing, President Donald Trump joked about slapping tariffs on Mexico for “the lettuce” and on Canada for “the smoke,” tying the quip to a cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to lettuce and Canadian wildfire smoke drifting into the U.S. The CDC reports thousands of cyclosporiasis cases across dozens of states (4,173 lab-confirmed since May 1, with about 7,400 more unconfirmed) while Canadian wildfires continue to affect air quality in parts of the United States.
CDC reports 1,947 cyclosporiasis cases across nine states, linked to iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico; a Taco Bell lettuce pull preceded the recall as FDA traces growers. Nationwide cases approach 12,000, with Michigan hardest hit and investigations into other produce (parsley, cilantro) ongoing.
The CDC has added Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma and Pennsylvania to a multistate cyclospora outbreak tied to shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico, expanding the nine-state cluster linked to Taco Bell. Investigators are tracing how contaminated product moved through the supply chain and whether more restaurants or retailers were affected. North Carolina is exploring parsley and cilantro as possible sources in some illnesses, while the FDA reports a separate outbreak with at least 72 cases. Nationally, confirmed Cyclospora cases have surged with thousands of illnesses already counted and many more under review; officials note that illness onset can occur weeks after exposure and contamination can happen pre-harvest or during processing.
America faces its largest cyclospora outbreak on record, with thousands of cases linked largely to iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms and items in Taco Bell’s supply chain; the situation has intensified concerns about food tracking as federal surveillance has been scaled back, while practical steps include thoroughly rinsing produce and, for higher risk, heating produce to 158°F, with treatment for infection requiring a 10-day course of antibiotics if symptoms are severe.
Kansas is battling a sharp rise in cyclosporiasis, with nearly 290 statewide cases and 95 in Johnson County as of midweek, up from 55 the previous week; officials warn cases may be undercounted and point to a likely produce-linked source such as iceberg lettuce. Cyclosporiasis is treatable with Bactrim, and diagnosis requires a stool sample; Missouri and Michigan are also reporting cases in a related spike.
US health officials report over 11,000 suspected cyclosporiasis cases this year, with the CDC tallying 4,173 confirmed across 41 states; Michigan and Ohio account for the bulk of new cases, North Carolina and Indiana above 500, and Kansas over 280, as the FDA investigates five outbreak clusters, including one linked to Taylor Farms lettuce. Many cases go unreported and the illness typically peaks May–August.
Taco Bell is offering $1 lettuce-free enchiritos and regular nacho fries through its app for one day to lure customers back after a lettuce-linked cyclospora outbreak reduced foot traffic. The outbreak contributed to a drop in store visits—about 31% on July 17 and 30% on July 18 per Placer.ai—and Yum! Brands shares fell roughly 9% over the past week. Taco Bell’s CEO Sean Tresvant framed the move as earning loyalty one meal at a time.
Taco Bell is selling a $1 lettuce-free Enchirito to win back customers after a cyclospora outbreak linked to shredded lettuce from Taylor Farms, which hurt store traffic and trust. The chain is trying to regain loyalty with a cheap, transparent response as investigations continue.
Mexico’s health minister pushed back on the FDA’s finding that central Mexico–sourced iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico caused the cyclosporiasis outbreak, saying there is no current evidence it originated in Guanajuato and that Mexican officials are conducting their own testing with the CDC as the U.S. investigation and recall continue amid political scrutiny around the farm and its ties to Trump-era figures.
US health officials say the Cyclospora outbreak has infected over 4,100 people across 41 states, with 308 hospitalizations and about 7,400 suspected cases under review. Investigators point to lettuce from Mexico as the likely source, prompting Taylor Farms to recall iceberg lettuce, while Mexico disputes the origin and the FDA has given mixed messages as the investigation continues.
The FDA linked cyclospora infections to iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms in Central Mexico and issued a recall across 27 states, but later said the positive test was a false alarm. Despite that update, consumers should avoid recalled Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce and check the FDA recall list. About 1,600 people have been sick after eating at Taco Bell locations in five states, with symptoms like explosive diarrhea; cooking and washing produce can reduce risk. Experts urge calm and note that not all produce should be avoided, though immunocompromised individuals may need extra caution as the investigation continues and other sources are explored.
A Michigan couple filed a federal lawsuit against Taco Bell and Taylor Farms alleging they became seriously ill from shredded iceberg lettuce tied to a multistate Cyclospora outbreak; they seek more than $75,000 in damages and cite negligence, strict liability, breach of warranty, and consumer-protection violations, claiming Taylor Farms knew of contamination risks and Taco Bell controlled the supply chain. The FDA/CDC-linked outbreak spans several states with confirmed illnesses and hospitalizations, while neither defendant has responded and allegations remain unproven in court.