Two positive samples found in Mexico
The US Food and Drug Administration said it found two samples of the cyclospora parasite during an inspection of Taylor Farms operations in central Mexico. One sample came from the company's lettuce processing facility. The other came from a drainage ditch at an iceberg lettuce farm operated by an independent contract grower.
The agency said it lacks enough evidence to say exactly how the lettuce was contaminated. Even so, the positive samples show the parasite was present where the lettuce was grown and packed. That adds to traceback and epidemiological data that already pointed to the same source.
Case numbers far above normal
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has received more than 15,000 laboratory-confirmed US cases of cyclosporiasis since May 1. In the same period of 2025, the figure was about 1,180. At least 11,000 more cases may still need investigation. The outbreak linked to shredded iceberg lettuce from the Taylor Farms operation accounts for much of the increase.
Cyclospora is a parasite that causes watery diarrhoea, stomach cramps and fatigue. It is often spread by fresh produce that was contaminated in the field or during processing. The FDA closed its investigation after reporting the findings.
What consumers can do
Health officials say washing produce helps but does not always remove the parasite, which can survive some standard cleaning steps. Cooking kills it. People who develop prolonged diarrhoea after eating fresh salad greens should see a doctor and mention what they ate.
Regulators say the findings underline the importance of water quality and sanitation on farms that supply the US market from abroad. The company has not commented publicly on the two samples.