FDA: Initial Cyclospora Test for Taylor Farms Lettuce Was False Positive

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is walking back initial findings that Taylor Farms lettuce tested positive for Cyclospora, revealing that additional laboratory review showed the result to be a false positive.

Both the FDA and Taylor Fresh Foods confirmed on Sunday that further testing revealed the initial positive result was incorrect. "Today, FDA apologized to us," Taylor Fresh Foods officials stated. "Yesterday, FDA informed Taylor Fresh Foods that one of its iceberg lettuce products from central Mexico tested positive for Cyclospora. Today, we were informed that FDA made a mistake, and this was a false positive."

Investigation Continues

Despite the false positive test result, Taylor Farms has not been cleared as the potential source of the outbreak. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and FDA are continuing their investigation into the multistate cyclosporiasis outbreak affecting Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, and West Virginia.

"To be clear, at this moment, FDA has not identified a single positive product test result for Cyclospora," Taylor Farms officials emphasized. However, the voluntary recall of iceberg lettuce from central Mexico remains in effect.

The Traceback Evidence

The initial link between Taylor Farms and the outbreak came from an FDA traceback investigation that found 90% of people interviewed reported eating iceberg lettuce that traced back to Taylor Farms lettuce used by Taco Bell restaurants.

This epidemiological evidence initially led federal health officials to identify shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell restaurants supplied by Taylor Farms de Mexico as the outbreak source in five states.

Michigan Outbreak Numbers

As of Monday, Michigan has reported 6,148 cases of cyclosporiasis with 102 hospitalizations. The cases are especially concentrated in the southeast region of the state, though counties across Michigan are reporting infections.

Cyclosporiasis is a parasitic disease caused by Cyclospora cayetanensis that causes watery diarrhea, fatigue, and loss of appetite. While not usually life-threatening, dehydration from frequent diarrhea can cause severe illness, particularly among young children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems.

Timeline of the Investigation

Mid-June: Reports of higher-than-usual cyclosporiasis cases began emerging from multiple states. CDC officials did not initially link the outbreaks to a single source.

July 1: The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) officially confirmed an outbreak in the state and began advising food handlers and healthcare workers about treatment, testing, and prevention guidelines.

July 13: MDHHS officials narrowed down the most likely outbreak source to lettuce and salad greens, though other sources were not ruled out.

July 17: As Michigan cases passed 5,000, the CDC identified shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell restaurants supplied by Taylor Farms as the outbreak source in Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, and West Virginia.

July 20: The FDA announced the initial positive test was a false positive, though the investigation continues and the recall remains in effect.

What This Means for Consumers

For Battle Creek and Michigan residents, the false positive does not mean the outbreak is over or that Taylor Farms lettuce is safe. Health officials continue to advise:

• Wash all produce thoroughly before eating

• Stay hydrated if experiencing symptoms

• Contact your healthcare provider if you develop watery diarrhea, fatigue, or loss of appetite

• Report illness to your local health department

Cyclosporiasis is treated with antibiotics along with rest and fluids to stay hydrated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does the false positive mean Taylor Farms lettuce is safe to eat?

A: No. While the specific test was a false positive, the FDA and CDC have not cleared Taylor Farms as the source of the outbreak. The voluntary recall remains in effect, and the investigation is ongoing. The traceback investigation showed 90% of sick people ate lettuce from Taylor Farms.

Q: How many people in Michigan have been affected by this outbreak?

A: As of Monday, Michigan has reported 6,148 cases of cyclosporiasis with 102 hospitalizations. Cases are concentrated in southeast Michigan but have been reported across the state.

Q: What should I do if I ate at Taco Bell recently and am feeling sick?

A: If you are experiencing symptoms of cyclosporiasis including watery diarrhea, fatigue, loss of appetite, stomach cramps, bloating, or nausea, contact your healthcare provider immediately. Also report your illness to your local health department to help track the outbreak. The infection is treatable with antibiotics.