Taylor Farms has recalled several lettuce products after federal officials linked them to a widespread outbreak of the diarrhea-causing parasite cyclospora. An investigation into the source of the parasitic illness is still ongoing, however.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which initially announced that a sample of lettuce from Taylor Farms had tested positive for cyclospora, has since said the result was a false positive.
The agency said it continues to work with Taylor Farms as it investigates the source of the outbreak and test samples. Taylor Farms remains linked to the outbreak through the FDA investigation, and the company issued an expansive voluntary recall of iceberg lettuce products on July 17 “out of an abundance of caution.”
The FDA said the lettuce was sold in part through Taco Bell locations in five states, with more than half the country receiving the recalled lettuce.
Cases of cyclosporiasis have surged in more than 30 states in recent weeks, with Illinois health officials confirming more than 300 cases statewide. People who contract the illness usually have “explosive” diarrhea and other severe gastrointestinal issues. Here’s a look at all the products pulled so far tied to the outbreak.
Which Taylor Farms lettuce products have been recalled? See list of items sold at Walmart
Taylor Farms recalled iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico on July 17 because it could be contaminated with cyclospora.
The affected products include lettuce served in food service, like at Taco Bell restaurants, as well as some bagged lettuce sold at Walmart under the Marketside brand. The Walmart items are the only affected products that have been sold in retail.
“The health and safety of our customers is a top priority,” Walmart said in a statement on July 18.
The affected items include:
Where were recalled lettuce products sold?
According to the FDA, they were sold at Walmart stores in the following states:
The products can be identified by “Best if Used By” dates ranging from July 18 through Aug. 3. Anyone with the affected products should discard or return them for a refund.
Which other stores sold recalled Taylor Farms products? See list
Other than the retail products sold at Walmart, the rest of the recalled Taylor Farms lettuce products were sent to a variety of food service distributors.
Both the FDA notice and the Taylor Farms recall notice list the brands of distributors involved in the recall as abbreviations only.
In addition to Taco Bell and Walmart, Sysco confirmed on July 17 that it was among the affected distributors and had removed the lettuce, Reuters reported.
US Foods also confirmed to USA TODAY that its Cross Valley Farms brand is part of the recall. The company said it began notifying customers of the recall on July 17.
USA TODAY has reached out to Taylor Farms and a variety of produce distributors for further information about which brands are involved.
See the full list:
How many cyclosporiasis cases in Illinois?
The Illinois Department of Public Health has received 335 cyclosporiasis reports as of July 20, resulting in 28 hospitalizations and no deaths.
Of these 335 cases, 134 participated in international travel, while another 180 were confirmed to have acquired the parasite domestically, according to the department.
What is cyclosporiasis? Symptoms, treatment
Cyclosporiasis is caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The illness is not usually life-threatening and can be treated with antibiotics, but symptoms may last longer for those who are immunocompromised, according to the agency.
Common symptoms of cyclosporiasis include diarrhea, cramping, bloating, nausea and fatigue.
While some people who are infected may not have symptoms, those who do may be sick for up to a month or more, per the CDC.
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: More than 300 cyclospora cases in Illinois. See recalled Taylor Farms items
Reporting by Hannah Hudnall, Marina Johnson and Melina Khan, Peoria Journal Star / Journal Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Hannah Hudnall, Marina Johnson and Melina Khan, Peoria Journal Star | USA TODAY Network
