Taylor Farms, one of the largest fresh produce suppliers in the United States, has recalled iceberg lettuce shipped to 27 states after the product was linked to an outbreak of cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. The recall was announced Friday and affects lettuce distributed to retail stores and food service operations across much of the country.

Cyclospora infections are caused by consuming food or water contaminated with the microscopic parasite. Symptoms typically include watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramps, nausea, and fatigue. The illness can last weeks to months if left untreated and is rarely life-threatening but can cause significant discomfort, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.

The recall covers specific lot numbers and best-by dates of Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce products. Consumers who have purchased the affected lettuce are advised not to eat it and to dispose of it immediately or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Anyone who has consumed the product and is experiencing symptoms consistent with cyclospora infection is encouraged to contact a healthcare provider.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are involved in the ongoing investigation to determine the source and scope of the contamination. Taylor Farms has stated it is cooperating fully with regulators and has taken steps to identify how the contamination occurred in order to prevent future outbreaks.

Cyclospora outbreaks linked to fresh produce have occurred periodically in the United States, with previous incidents involving cilantro, basil, and other leafy greens. Food safety experts note that the parasite is not killed by standard washing and requires proper cooking to be eliminated, making raw salad greens a recurring vector for transmission when contamination occurs at the growing or processing stage.