Ankin Law is investigating claims from people who developed cyclosporiasis after eating recalled iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico, including lettuce served at certain Taco Bell locations. The outbreak has sickened thousands of consumers across the United States.
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As of August 5, 2026, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had identified 6,358 confirmed illnesses, 278 hospitalizations, and two deaths across 15 states in the outbreak linked to the recalled lettuce. The investigation remains open, and those numbers may continue to rise.
On July 16, 2026, two consumers filed a proposed class-action lawsuit against Taylor Fresh Foods. The class-action lawsuit alleges that Taylor Farms knowingly sold unsafe products to consumers and retailers, despite a history of safety problems relating to the products.
While the company claims it adheres to strict industry standards to uphold safety and quality, the recent severe outbreak of Cyclospora cayetanensis, a parasite that causes severe, watery diarrhea and other health problems, points to dangerous negligence within the company’s method of operation.
If you were made ill by contaminated lettuce, call Ankin Law at 312-600-0000 for a free case review.
Key Takeaways
- Taylor Farms was named in a cyclospora lawsuit after an outbreak sickened people all over the United States.
- Taylor Farms initiated a recall of all iceberg lettuce and certain lettuce blends sourced from their Central Mexico operation.
- Products were distributed to AL, AR, CT, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MO, MS, NC, NH, NJ, OH, OK, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, and WI.
- Individual lawsuits have named Taylor Farms, Taco Bell, and certain Taco Bell franchise operators, alleging that customers contracted cyclosporiasis after eating menu items containing recalled lettuce.
- Cyclospora cayentanensis is a parasite that is found in contaminated food and water. It causes cyclosporiasis, which is a gastrointestinal illness that can last over a month if left untreated.
- Symptoms can appear up to two weeks after infection, and include explosive, watery diarrhea, nausea, cramps, and bloating.
- Consistent explosive diarrhea can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, tissue damage, and malnutrition.
What Produce Was Recalled?
On July 17, 2026 Taylor Farms de Mexico, operating in Guanajuato, Mexico,voluntarily recalled iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico. The affected products had been distributed between June 29 and July 16, 2026.
The recall included shredded iceberg lettuce and certain lettuce blends distributed to consumers, restaurants, and retailers. Some Marketside-brand products sold at select Walmart stores were included in the recall.
Affected products were distributed to AL, AR, CT, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MO, MS, NC, NH, NJ, OH, OK, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, and WI. A complete list of recalled products can be found on the official recall notice posted on the Taylor Farms website.
The recalled products’ best-by dates have passed, and public health officials say they should no longer be available in stores or restaurants. However, consumers should still check their refrigerators for recalled products. Do not eat recalled lettuce. Throw it away or return it to the place of purchase.
Taco Bell Also Named in Cyclospora Lawsuits
Lawsuits have also been filed against Taco Bell and certain Taco Bell operators by consumers who say they developed cyclosporiasis after eating menu items containing contaminated lettuce.
Public health investigators initially identified a connection between illnesses and shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell locations. The FDA’s traceback investigation later identified Taylor Farms de Mexico as the supplier of lettuce used at locations where sick consumers reported eating before their symptoms began.
In one lawsuit filed in Michigan, a married couple alleges that both became seriously ill after eating at a Taco Bell restaurant on June 30, 2026. The lawsuit names Taylor Fresh Foods, Taco Bell Corp., and Taco Bell of North America as defendants.
These cases seek to hold the companies involved in growing, processing, distributing, and serving the lettuce accountable for the illnesses and losses consumers suffered.
Restaurant customers trust that the food they are served is safe. When contaminated ingredients enter the food supply and make people sick, the companies responsible may be held liable for the resulting medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages.
What Is Cyclospora Cayetanensis?
Cyclospora cayentanensis is a small, single-celled parasite that can be found in food and in water.
People generally become infected after consuming food or water contaminated with human feces. Fresh produce can become contaminated through irrigation water, washing water, handling, processing equipment, or other points in the supply chain. The parasite does not typically spread from person to person. Infection from this parasite leads to a gastrointestinal condition called cyclosporiasis. Common symptoms of cyclosporiasis include:
- Severe, watery diarrhea (explosive diarrhea)
- Cramps, Nausea, gas, and bloating
- Fever, loss of appetite, extreme fatigue
Some people infected with Cyclospora do not experience symptoms. For those who do, symptoms often begin approximately one week after exposure, although they can appear as soon as two days or as late as two weeks or more after consuming contaminated food or water.
How Is Cyclosporiasis Diagnosed?
Cyclospora infection is generally diagnosed through laboratory testing of a stool sample. However, routine stool testing does not always include screening for Cyclospora.
People who believe they may have been exposed should tell their healthcare provider about the possible connection to recalled lettuce. A doctor may need to request testing specifically for Cyclospora. Because the parasite can be difficult to detect, some patients may be asked to provide more than one stool sample.
Anyone experiencing prolonged diarrhea, dehydration, severe abdominal symptoms, or other signs of illness should seek medical care. Getting medical attention also creates documentation that may become important if the patient later files a claim.
Is Cyclosporiasis a Serious Illness?
Cyclosporiasis is not just inconvenient. Severe or prolonged diarrhea can lead to dehydration, hospitalization, missed work, and other health complications.
- Dehydration: Losing large amounts of water too fast can lead to a drop in blood pressure, damage your kidneys, and may even lead to shock.
- Electrolyte Imbalance: Low levels of electrolytes in your body can lead to muscle weakness, seizures, and heart rhythm problems.
- Poor Nutrient Absorption: Also known as malnutrition, not getting enough of certain vitamins and nutrients absorbed by your body can lead to weight loss, anemia, and a weakened immune system.
- Tissue Damage: Constant diarrhea can cause skin irritation, inflammation, and even tears in the digestive tract.
Can I File a Lawsuit for Cyclosporiasis if I Was Infected?
If you consumed Taylor Farms brand produce and became ill with cyclosporiasis, you may have grounds to sue for lost wages, medical bills, and pain and suffering. An experienced product liability attorney at Ankin Law can investigate your claim, preserve evidence, obtain medical and purchase records, identify the companies involved, calculate your damages, and pursue compensation on your behalf.
What Compensation May Be Available in a Cyclospora Lawsuit?
Compensation in a Cyclospora case may include payment for:
- Emergency room and hospital bills
- Doctor visits
- Diagnostic testing
- Prescription medications
- Future medical treatment
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Permanent health complications
- Wrongful death damages when an infection results in death
The amount available depends on the severity of the illness and the losses caused by it. A person who experienced several days of symptoms may have a different claim from someone who was hospitalized, suffered organ complications, or remained ill for months.
An attorney can document the full effect of the illness and push back when a company or insurer attempts to minimize what the victim endured.
How Long Do I Have to File a Cyclospora Lawsuit?
Food contamination claims are subject to filing deadlines known as statutes of limitations. The applicable deadline may depend on where the exposure occurred, where the victim lives, which companies are named, and the legal claims being pursued.
Waiting can make a case harder to prove. Receipts may be lost, surveillance footage may be deleted, packaging may be discarded, and witnesses may forget important details.
People who believe they were affected by the Taylor Farms Cyclospora outbreak should speak with an attorney as soon as possible. Contacting a lawyer does not obligate you to file a lawsuit, but it can help protect your evidence and legal options.
Ankin Law Is Investigating Taylor Farms Cyclospora Claims
Ankin Law is investigating claims involving recalled Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce, Taco Bell restaurants, and other retailers and restaurants that may have sold or served the affected products.
If you became sick, the companies involved should not get to dismiss what happened as a minor stomach illness. Cyclosporiasis can cause weeks of severe symptoms, missed work, emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, and lasting financial losses.
Our experienced product liability attorneys can investigate where the contaminated lettuce came from, identify the companies that may be responsible, gather the evidence needed to support your case, and pursue the compensation available under the law.
You do not pay upfront attorney’s fees. Ankin Law works on a contingency fee basis, which means attorney’s fees are not owed unless we recover compensation for you.
Were you diagnosed with cyclosporiasis or did you become seriously ill after eating Taylor Farms lettuce or food from Taco Bell? Call Ankin Law today at 312-600-0000 for a free consultation. Our legal team is available 24/7.
