Taylor Farms, a major produce supplier with operations in Yuma and Tolleson, is recalling iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico because it may carry Cyclospora, a microscopic parasite that can cause prolonged diarrhea.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said Taylor Farms de Mexico voluntarily removed all iceberg lettuce from the region after investigators linked shredded lettuce supplied to Taco Bell restaurants in five states to a multistate outbreak. Taylor Farms said the shredded product was distributed June 29 through July 16 in 27 states. Arizona was not among them, although the FDA advisory says products may have reached additional states. The company’s Arizona operations have not been linked to the outbreak.
The recall includes Marketside Iceberg Salad in 12- and 24-ounce packages and Marketside Shredded Lettuce in 8- and 16-ounce packages, with “Best if Used By” dates from July 18 through Aug. 3. It covers food-service products under several brand codes. Shoppers can check Taylor Farms’ full recall list, and the company says its branded salads and kits are not affected.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported at least 1,644 cases tied to the five-state outbreak, 94 hospitalizations and no deaths. Taco Bell removed the supplier’s lettuce from its nationwide supply chain.
Federal officials separately found Cyclospora in a sampled Taylor Farms lot, but the company said that lot was not included in the current recall. Investigators are determining whether any of it reached stores or homes.
Symptoms commonly begin about a week after exposure and include watery diarrhea, fatigue, loss of appetite, cramps, bloating and nausea. The FDA warns washing alone may not remove the parasite. Consumers should discard recalled lettuce, sanitize anything it touched and contact a health care provider if symptoms develop.
