WASHINGTON — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said late Sunday, July 19, 2026, that a laboratory finding linking Cyclospora to a sample of shredded iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms de Mexico was a false positive after additional review by agency scientists. The FDA said there are now no confirmed positive product samples for Cyclospora, but the multistate foodborne illness investigation remains active.

The announcement reverses an update the FDA issued one day earlier, when the agency reported that a sample had tested positive for the parasite. After conducting additional laboratory analysis, FDA experts concluded the original result “does not represent true amplification” and should not be considered a valid positive test.

The revised finding removes what had appeared to be direct laboratory confirmation linking the recalled lettuce to the outbreak. However, federal officials emphasized that the investigation has not changed. The FDA said epidemiological evidence and product traceback continue to indicate that shredded iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms de Mexico remains the likely source of the illnesses.

The outbreak has been associated with Taco Bell restaurants in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia. Health officials continue working to identify the precise point where contamination may have occurred.

Taylor Farms said it was notified by the FDA that the laboratory result had been incorrectly interpreted. The company welcomed the revised finding, noting there is currently no confirmed product sample that has tested positive for Cyclospora. Taylor Farms also said it continues cooperating fully with regulators.

The voluntary recall announced on July 17 remains in effect. It includes certain iceberg lettuce products sourced from central Mexico, including some retail and food-service products distributed across multiple states. The FDA continues advising consumers not to eat recalled products and businesses not to serve or sell them.

Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that causes an intestinal illness known as cyclosporiasis. Symptoms typically include prolonged diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, fatigue and dehydration. While most people recover with appropriate treatment, the illness can be more severe for older adults and those with weakened immune systems.

Foodborne illness investigations often rely on several forms of evidence, including laboratory testing, patient interviews and product tracing. Even though the FDA has withdrawn the laboratory finding, officials said the epidemiological and traceback evidence supporting the recall remains unchanged while investigators continue collecting additional samples.

The agency said it will provide further public updates as additional information becomes available.

JBizNews Desk | Washington

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