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On July 17, 2026, Taylor Farms de Mexico announced a voluntary recall of all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico from the U.S. market due to possible Cyclospora contamination, prompted by a multistate outbreak investigation [1]. The FDA published the recall announcement on July 18, 2026. Also on July 17, 2026, plaintiff David Ott filed a lawsuit in Mahoning County, Ohio naming Taylor Fresh Foods Inc. dba Taylor Farms as a key defendant [2].
On July 20, 2026, the FDA acknowledged that a laboratory test showing Cyclospora in a Taylor Farms lettuce sample was a false positive — but made clear that this development does not change the basis for the ongoing investigation or the validity of the voluntary recall, which is supported by overwhelming epidemiological data [3]. As of July 19, 2026, no confirmed positive product test results for Cyclospora have been identified.
What Marketside Products Are Affected?
Walmart’s Marketside brand — identified in the Taylor Farms recall under the “MKTSD” brand code — is specifically included among the recalled retail products. The affected Marketside items are:
- Marketside Iceberg Salad, 12 oz and 24 oz — Best If Used By dates July 18, 2026 through August 3, 2026
- Marketside Shredded Lettuce, 8 oz and 16 oz — Best If Used By dates July 18, 2026 through August 3, 2026
The recalled lettuce was distributed from June 29 through July 16, 2026, across 27 states including AL, AR, CT, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MO, MS, NC, NH, NJ, OH, OK, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, and WI.
What Is Cyclospora?
Cyclospora cayetanensis is a microscopic parasite that infects the small intestine and causes cyclosporiasis — an illness marked by frequent, sometimes explosive watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, bloating, nausea, weight loss, and severe fatigue [4]. Symptoms typically begin about one week after exposure, can last from several days to a month or longer, and may return in repeated relapses if untreated.
Unlike most foodborne pathogens, Cyclospora cannot be removed from contaminated produce by rinsing or washing — it requires antibiotic treatment with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole to resolve. Immunocompromised individuals may experience more severe illness requiring hospitalization.
Incidents and Injuries
As of July 17, 2026, 1,644 people infected with Cyclospora and reporting Taco Bell exposure have been confirmed across five states, with illness onset dates ranging from May 13, 2026, to July 13, 2026 [5]. Ninety-four people have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported, but public health officials believe the true number of cases is likely significantly higher than confirmed reports.
What Should Consumers Do?
Consumers who purchased Marketside Iceberg Salad or Marketside Shredded Lettuce with Best If Used By dates between July 18 and August 3, 2026 should discard the product immediately and not consume it. Full refunds are available at the place of purchase.
Consumers who ate the recalled lettuce and developed symptoms of cyclosporiasis should contact their healthcare provider promptly and mention the possible exposure. Taylor Farms’ customer care line can be reached at 855-455-0098, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. PST.
Can I File a Lawsuit?
Consumers who purchased Walmart Marketside lettuce products included in the Taylor Farms recall and subsequently became ill with cyclosporiasis may have significant legal options against Taylor Farms, Walmart, and related parties. Contact an attorney promptly to have your case evaluated.
References
1. https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/taylor-fresh-foods-recalls-iceberg-lettuce-central-mexico-because-possible-health-risk
2. David Ott v. Taco Bell Corp., Taylor Fresh Foods Inc. dba Taylor Farms, and Charter Foods Inc. dba Taco Bell #027999, Complaint, Mahoning County Court of Common Pleas, filed July 17, 2026 (Filing ID 1413798)
3. https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/fda-says-taylor-farms-cyclospora-finding-was-false-positive-2026-07-20/
4. https://www.fda.gov/food/foodborne-pathogens/cyclospora
5. https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/investigation-5-state-outbreak-cyclospora-illnesses-iceberg-lettuce-july-2026