California farm company identified as possible cyclosporiasis outbreak source

(FOX40.COM) — A popular California company has been linked to the growing cyclosporiasis outbreak, according to a new report.

The Washington Post, citing two individuals familiar with the investigation, reported Thursday that federal investigators have identified iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms to Taco Bell restaurants as a possible source of contamination.

Taylor Farms, founded and headquartered in Salinas, California, describes itself as the “leading global producer of salads and healthy fresh foods.” In addition to the Golden State, the company has production facilities across the U.S., along with Mexico, Canada and Europe.

The outbreak is centered around Michigan, where more than 4,300 people have been diagnosed with the illness — more than 100 of whom were hospitalized, according to the state’s public health department. Other linked cases have been reported in Ohio, Kentucky and West Virginia.

Taco Bell, owned by parent company Yum Brands, earlier this week confirmed it had removed a few ingredients from its menu amid the investigation.

Neither Taylor Farms nor Taco Bell immediately responded to FOX40’s requests for comment. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration also did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The illness, caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, is typically spread through food or water that has been contaminated by human feces, the department explained. It can cause extreme and watery diarrhea.

However, because it takes at least 1-2 weeks outside the body for the Cyclospora to become infectious, person-to-person transmission is unlikely.

Although the illness is seeing an uptick in activity nationwide, California State Public Health Officer Dr. Erica Pan said the state sees a few cases every year — most of which are acquired internationally.

“Cases for 2026 are well within expected ranges for California, and we are not currently one of the states experiencing increased cases or an outbreak,” Pan, who also leads the California Department of Public Health, said in a news release Tuesday. “We are aware of the outbreaks affecting other states, however, and are closely monitoring for any signs of local acquired infection.”

California has recorded a little more than 100 cyclosporiasis cases annually from 2015 to 2025, according to the public health department. This week, Fresno County reported one case of the illness, but local officials said there is no known link to the ongoing outbreak.

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