FDA Says Taylor Farms Lettuce Cyclospora Test Was False Positive

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said that a sample of shredded iceberg lettuce produced by a Taylor Farms subsidiary in Mexico that had initially tested positive for Cyclospora was a false alarm, Michael Ramsey reported for NewsNation.

Cyclospora targets the small intestine (bowel), resulting in watery diarrhea, with frequent bowel movements. (Photo: CDC)

"Due to the complexity in detecting Cyclospora, FDA laboratory experts re-reviewed the sample results and concluded that the finding does not represent true amplification and should be considered a false positive," the FDA said.

"Information about the sample has been removed from the July 18, 2026 update.

FDA has notified Taylor Farms and continues working with the firm to ensure that any product implicated in this outbreak has been removed from the market. FDA and state partners continue to collect and analyze product samples."

On Saturday, the agency had reported that the lettuce sample tested positive for Cyclospora, a microscopic parasite that causes severe intestinal illness.

The FDA said the sample was collected during its ongoing outbreak investigation. It also noted that Taylor Farms confirmed the implicated product was not part of the current recall.

"Taylor Farms has confirmed that this positive product is not part of their current recall," the FDA said.

"The company is currently working to determine whether any part of this implicated lot remains in commerce or in consumers' homes."