See full list of items included in Taylor Farms lettuce recall

See Full List of Items in Taylor Farms Lettuce Recall

Cybersecarmor.com – See full list of items included in the latest food safety alert as Taylor Farms has recalled several lettuce products after federal officials linked them to a widespread cyclosporiasis outbreak, though an investigation into the exact source of the parasitic illness is still ongoing. The recall affects both retail and food service products distributed across multiple states, prompting consumers to check their refrigerators for affected items.

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 clarified that the result was a false positive. Despite this correction, the agency continues to monitor the situation closely as health officials work to identify the contamination source.

None of the samples tested for cyclospora in this outbreak have been confirmed positive as of July 19, the FDA said. The agency said it continues to work with Taylor Farms as it investigates the source of the outbreak and test additional samples. This precautionary approach has led to an expanded recall that covers more products than originally anticipated.

Products Affected by the Recall

Taylor Farms remains linked to the outbreak through the FDA investigation and "out of an abundance of caution" issued an expansive voluntary recall of iceberg lettuce products on July 17. The affected products include lettuce served in food service including at Taco Bell restaurants as well as some bagged lettuce products sold at Walmart under the Marketside brand. The Walmart items are the only affected products that have been sold in retail stores nationwide.

The FDA said the lettuce was sold in part through Taco Bell locations in five states, though the specific states were not all named in the initial announcement. The products can be identified by "Best if Used By" dates ranging from July 18 through Aug. 3, making it easy for consumers to verify whether their purchased items are included in the recall.

According to the FDA, they were sold at Walmart stores in the following states: California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, and Texas. Anyone with the affected products should discard or return them for a refund to ensure their safety. "The health and safety of our customers is a top priority," Walmart said in a statement on July 18.

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, which has made it slightly challenging for some consumers to identify their specific products.

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. As more details emerge, consumers are encouraged to check official sources for updates on the recall status.

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.

Cases of cyclosporiasis have surged in more than 30 states in recent weeks, making this one of the largest foodborne illness outbreaks in recent years. People who contract the illness usually have "explosive" diarrhea and other severe gastrointestinal issues. 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 extended recovery period underscores the importance of proper treatment and monitoring for affected individuals.

See full list of items in this recall to ensure you have not purchased any affected products. Melina Khan is a national trending reporter for USA TODAY. Keep up with her on X @melinakh and Instagram @bymelinakhan.