FDA Finds Cyclospora at Mexican Outbreak-Linked Sites

On Oct. 2, 2026, the FDA announced two positive Cyclospora samples from Taylor Farms de Mexico sites linked to an outbreak that sickened nearly 13,000 people, hospitalized 570 and killed two in 21 states, and closed its investigation. August inspections found the parasite in a wastewater tank at the processing facility and in drainage-ditch sediment at a supplier farm. The FDA said the findings add to epidemiological and traceback evidence linking recalled shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico, quoting that the positives show cyclospora was present where lettuce was grown and processed, but there is not enough evidence to conclusively determine how contamination occurred. CONTESTED: Mexican officials announced in August their own testing found no Cyclospora. The FDA earlier retracted a faulty positive lettuce test at the border. The agency is still analyzing whether the Mexico sample genotypes match those from U.S. patients. The CDC declared the outbreak over in September. Lawyer Bill Marler said more sample analysis is needed and urged a cyclospora water test, 24-hour supply-chain records, more Mexico facility inspections, and answers for confirmed cases never tied to food. Produce safety expert Jim Gorny said it is difficult to know whether new FDA prevention steps will be effective without knowing how the lettuce was contaminated.