As the largest Cyclospora outbreak hit the U.S., millions of people are looking forward to the answer to whether lettuce is safe to eat now.
Health officials labelled it as safe, but with some important caveats.
Since May 2026, Cyclospora has sickened tens of thousands of people across the country. The officials investigated if there’s any connection to the contaminated iceberg lettuce grown in central Mexico and supplied by Taylor Farms.
The CDC has confirmed 13,895 laboratory cases across 47 states, with over 10,000 additional cases still pending. Two deaths have been reported in Michigan, both involving individuals with underlying health conditions.
Regarding the contamination of lettuces still on shelves, the FDA has confirmed that all implicated lettuce has been removed from the supply chain. Acting FDA Commissioner Kyle Diamantas assured the public this week that “the food supply is safe” and that Americans should feel confident eating fresh produce, including leafy greens.
The iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms has been suspicious while investigating the cause of Cyclospora, while other types of lettuce, including romaine, butterhead, and mixed greens from other suppliers, are not associated with this outbreak.
However, people should stay cautious. Wash thoroughly to avoid surface contamination and cook when possible. Stay updated with CDC and FDA announcements for the latest information.
2026-08-15 20:27:00
