The Parasite Blamed On Taco Bell Lettuce? Not So Fast

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said on Sunday that it wrongly flagged lettuce from Taco Bell as a potential source of the outbreak of the “explosive diarrhea” parasite across the country.

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In the midst of a nationwide eruption of cyclosporiasis, the FDA investigated Taco Bell’s lettuce supplier Taylor Farms for a potential contamination of the parasite that causes “explosive bowel movements.” The FDA looked into Taco Bell after reports of some people becoming sick after consuming food from the popular fast food chain.

In the initial investigation, the FDA found what was believed to be Cyclospora in a sample of the lettuce, but upon further testing, it discovered that was not the case.

“Due to the complexity in the detection of Cyclospora, FDA laboratory experts re-reviewed the sample results and have concluded that the finding does not represent true amplification and should be considered a false positive,” the FDA said.

Taylor Farms revealed on Sunday that the FDA apologized for the “false positive” result. In a statement, Taylor Farms reassured Americans that none of its products are involved in the recall.

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An Update for You pic.twitter.com/n1g2Ck84i8

— Taylor Farms (@YourTaylorFarms) July 20, 2026

The FDA said in an update on Sunday, “There are no confirmed positive sample results for product testing for Cyclospora,” adding that it continues to “collect and analyze product samples.”

Last Friday, the FDA released a statement regarding the testing that took place on iceberg lettuce from one of Taylor Farms’ food processing centers. The agency launched the investigation after reports that Taylor Farms de Mexico provided the product “used by Taco Bell locations where sick people ate before becoming ill.” Taylor Farms de Mexico voluntarily removed all lettuce from the U.S. market, including products sold to supermarkets.

Earlier this month, Taco Bell warned customers about certain ingredients being removed from the menu, including cilantro onion, pico de gallo, guacamole, and lettuce as the parasite outbreak spread.

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