Taylor Farms, a leading producer of lettuce and fresh salads sold nationwide, is currently linked to a widespread outbreak of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic illness characterized by severe diarrhea. The outbreak, which has affected multiple states across the United States, prompted the company to issue a voluntary recall of its iceberg lettuce products on July 17. This recall coincided with ongoing investigations by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) into the source of the outbreak.

Initially, the FDA announced on July 18 that a sample of lettuce from Taylor Farms had tested positive for Cyclospora. However, the agency later clarified that the test result was a false positive. As of July 19, no confirmed positive Cyclospora findings have been linked to samples of Taylor Farms lettuce, though the FDA continues to work with the company on tracing the contamination. The agency has advised consumers to avoid certain iceberg lettuce products produced by Taylor Farms, though identifying specific products in restaurant dishes remains difficult.

Taylor Farms operates extensively across North America and Europe, with more than 25,000 employees and roughly 30 processing facilities. The company reported $7 billion in revenues and supplies lettuce and other fresh produce to major grocery chains—such as Walmart, Target, Safeway, and Kroger—as well as to numerous fast-food and quick-service restaurant chains.

One of the first associations between the outbreak and Taylor Farms lettuce involved sales through Taco Bell outlets in five states. Chipotle, another major fast-food chain that sources produce from Taylor Farms, stated on July 20 that it does not currently believe its ingredients are connected to the outbreak. However, the company continues to monitor the investigation closely.

The exact scope of restaurant chains that receive Taylor Farms produce is not publicly comprehensive, making it challenging for consumers to determine which brands may be affected. Historically, Taylor Farms has supplied lettuce and other products to chains including McDonald’s, Subway, KFC, Long John Silver’s, Pizza Hut, and Darden Restaurants, which operates Olive Garden.

Taylor Farms has faced recalls in the past, though many have involved undeclared ingredients or mislabeled products rather than foodborne pathogens. Previous recalls include a 2025 withdrawal of salad kits due to undeclared allergens, a 2024 recall connected to potential E. coli contamination in raw onions used in McDonald's Quarter Pounders, and recalls stemming from possible listeria contamination in 2017.

Founded in 1995 in California’s Salinas Valley by Bruce Taylor and partners, the company has grown to become a prominent player in the salad and fresh food market. Taylor Farms has been influential in advancing food safety standards within the produce industry, partnering with organizations such as the Produce Marketing Association to establish improved safety protocols. The company also introduced innovations like SmartWash Solutions, a system designed to sanitize produce and prevent contamination.

Taylor Farms’ impact extends beyond production; the company has been credited with stabilizing produce pricing by turning the industry into a fixed-price business, providing consistent supply and guaranteed profits to growers, which contrasts with historically unpredictable pricing models.

As the FDA continues its investigation into the current cyclosporiasis outbreak, Taylor Farms remains under close scrutiny, with industry observers and consumers awaiting further clarity on the origin and extent of the contamination.