Health officials are continuing to investigate a multistate outbreak of Cyclospora infections linked to contaminated iceberg lettuce. While the recalled lettuce is no longer expected to be on store shelves or in restaurants, new illnesses continue to be identified as the investigation moves forward as of mid August 2026.
At the same time, Taylor Fresh Foods has announced a separate recall of several ready-to-eat products made with jalapeño peppers because the peppers may be contaminated with Salmonella. Although this recall is not part of the Cyclospora outbreak, it serves as an important reminder to stay up to date on food recalls and practice good food safety.
What Is Cyclospora?
Cyclospora is a tiny parasite that can contaminate fresh fruits and vegetables. People become infected after eating food or drinking water contaminated with the parasite. Unlike many foodborne illnesses, Cyclospora cannot spread directly from one person to another because the parasite must first mature in the environment before it becomes infectious.
The illness caused by this parasite is called cyclosporiasis. Symptoms usually begin about one week after eating contaminated food.
Common symptoms include:
- Watery diarrhea
- Stomach cramps
- Bloating
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Increased gas
Without treatment, symptoms may last for several weeks and can improve and then return.
What Is Happening in the Current Outbreak?
The FDA and CDC have linked the current outbreak to iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms de Mexico. Through interviews with people who became sick and product tracing, investigators identified iceberg lettuce as the likely source of the infections.
Although the affected lettuce is no longer available for purchase because its shelf life has passed, health officials continue to investigate the outbreak. This helps them identify additional cases, learn more about how the contamination occurred, and prevent similar outbreaks in the future.
The CDC also continues to monitor Cyclospora infections across the United States throughout the year. While many cases occur during the spring and summer months, not every illness is related to this outbreak.
A Separate Recall Involving Taylor Fresh Foods
During the investigation, another food safety issue also made headlines.
Taylor Fresh Foods voluntarily recalled several prepared products containing jalapeño peppers after learning that its supplier had recalled fresh jalapeños because of possible Salmonella contamination.
The recalled products include several ready-to-eat foods, such as:
- Pico de gallo
- Guacamole
- Salsa
- Taco dip
- Other prepared foods made with jalapeño peppers
Taylor Fresh Foods stated that it has not received any reports of illness linked to these recalled products. However, consumers should still avoid eating them and either throw them away or return them to the place of purchase.
What Should You Do?
If you recently purchased fresh prepared foods or produce, it is a good idea to check the FDA recall notices to see if your product is affected.
You should also:
- Do not eat recalled products.
- Throw them away or return them for a refund.
- Wash surfaces that may have come into contact with recalled foods.
- Contact your healthcare provider if you develop persistent diarrhea or other symptoms after eating fresh produce.
Because Cyclospora is not detected by every routine stool test, patients with ongoing diarrhea should let their healthcare provider know if they think they may have been exposed.
What This Means for You
The current Cyclospora outbreak reminds us that foodborne illness investigations can continue even after recalled products are no longer available. As investigators identify new illnesses and trace contaminated foods, they can better understand how outbreaks happen and work to prevent future cases.
The separate Taylor Fresh Foods recall involving jalapeño peppers is not related to the Cyclospora outbreak, but it highlights the importance of paying attention to food recalls. Staying informed and following FDA guidance can help reduce your risk of foodborne illness.
Source
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Taylor Fresh Foods Recalls Products Made with Jalapeño Peppers Because of Possible Health Risk. Available from: https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/taylor-fresh-foods-recalls-products-made-jalapeno-peppers-because-possible-health-risk. Accessed August 14, 2026.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Investigation of 15-State Outbreak of Cyclospora Illnesses: Iceberg Lettuce (July 2026). Available from: https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/investigation-15-state-outbreak-cyclospora-illnesses-iceberg-lettuce-july-2026. Accessed August 14, 2026.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Cyclosporiasis Surveillance. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/cyclosporiasis/php/surveillance/index.html. Accessed August 14, 2026.
