Watery Diarrhea? Cyclospora Linked to a Taylor Farms Lettuce Recall

CDC and FDA are investigating a Cyclospora outbreak linked to recalled iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico. If you have watery diarrhea after eating or being exposed to the recalled lettuce, contact a clinician and ask whether you need Cyclospora (cyclosporiasis) testing.

Right now: Check your fridge and do not eat any recalled iceberg lettuce. CDC and FDA also recommend cleaning surfaces or containers that may have touched the lettuce.

Why this is in the news today

CDC’s July 24, 2026 food safety alert says a multistate Cyclospora outbreak is linked to iceberg lettuce in 9 states. Taylor Farms initiated a recall on July 17, 2026. CDC also reports that, as of July 24, 2026, the outbreak had at least 1,947 cases, 98 hospitalizations, and 0 deaths.

Even after a recall, officials expect additional confirmed illnesses because it can take time to identify and connect sick people to the outbreak.

Check the recall: what to do with lettuce you may have

FDA and CDC advise:

Do not eat recalled iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico.
Throw it away or return it (including the recalled Taylor Fresh Foods / Marketside-brand products described in the recall materials).
Clean up: Wash items and surfaces that may have touched the recalled lettuce using hot, soapy water or a dishwasher.

Symptoms to watch for (and when they start)

Cyclospora illness typically causes watery diarrhea. Other possible symptoms include fatigue and loss of appetite, along with cramping, bloating, increased gas, and nausea. Some people may also have weight loss or other symptoms.

Timing matters: CDC says symptoms usually begin about one week after infection (ranging from 2 days to 2 weeks or more).

Don’t ignore it: Without treatment, CDC notes symptoms can last a few days to a month or longer.

Should you worry if you ate the lettuce (or had possible exposure)?

You don’t need to panic. But if you develop symptoms—especially watery diarrhea—after possible exposure to the recalled iceberg lettuce or places that served it, CDC advises you to contact your healthcare provider.

CDC also notes that you may need to request testing specifically for Cyclospora because routine stool tests don’t always screen for this parasite.

What to ask your clinician/lab to test for

When clinicians suspect Cyclospora, laboratory testing may require a specific approach. You can ask your clinician or the ordering lab:

Whether the lab can perform testing that specifically detects Cyclospora.
If they do stool testing (including O&P or a GI panel), whether Cyclospora is included and how it’s detected.
Whether they can use methods such as modified staining (e.g., modified acid-fast or modified safranin) or UV microscopy, which ASM says is more reliable for identifying Cyclospora oocysts.
Whether potentially positive samples should be sent to a public health or reference lab for confirmation.

If public health officials contact you, CDC recommends answering questions about what you ate in the two weeks before you got sick to help connect illnesses to the correct source.

When to seek urgent care

Seek prompt medical attention if your diarrhea is severe or you develop signs of dehydration. FDA also notes that people who are immunocompromised may experience more severe, longer-lasting illness and may need close medical attention.

Prevention reminders for families and caregivers

Don’t eat recalled lettuce. Follow CDC/FDA recall instructions.
Wash your hands after using the bathroom and before food preparation.
Wash fresh produce thoroughly under running water before eating, cutting, or cooking. CDC notes washing alone cannot guarantee Cyclospora removal.
Cooking can help: CDC says cooking produce to at least 158°F (70°C) can kill the parasite.
Stay alert for updates as the investigation continues and testing results are confirmed.

Sources

Editorial note: Weence articles are researched from cited public-health, medical, regulatory, journal, and reputable news sources and may be drafted with AI assistance. They are checked for source support, clarity, and safety guardrails before publication.

This article is for general informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Research findings can be early or incomplete, and health guidance can change. Always talk with a qualified healthcare professional about personal symptoms, diagnosis, medications, vaccines, screenings, or treatment decisions. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call emergency services right away.