Parasite on our Plates
Updated: Sep 27
By Inaya Stojanovic and Andrew Xie Sep. 23, 2026
A bowl of lettuce may seem ordinary, but a microscopic parasite can turn a basic meal into a public health hazard. More than 10,000 people across the United States have become ill due to a Cyclospora outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As of Aug. 20, the CDC has reported 15,761 confirmed cases, 828 hospitalizations and two deaths across 47 states. The investigation is still ongoing as health officials in both the United States and Mexico continue investigating possible sources of the contamination.
Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that causes intestinal illness with symptoms of cramping, nausea, fatigue and most commonly explosive diarrhea. It attacks the body by invading the cells that line your small intestine, disrupting the normal digestive function, which can result in dehydration, putting people with weakened immune systems at serious risk.
The outbreak was first linked to Taco Bell locations in several states. By July 16, more than 1,000 people in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia reported Cyclospora infections after eating at the popular fast-food chain. Michigan health officials interviewed 190 of the infected about what they had eaten at the restaurant. They found that roughly 90% reported eating something containing iceberg lettuce, initiating investigations into how it could be causing the illnesses.
From there, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) began to trace the source of the lettuce. Inspectors found that the suspected Taco Bell locations had recently received shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico, a regional processing facility for parent company Taylor Farms. Epidemiological information—data that tracks how diseases occur and spread—and the FDA's investigation eventually confirmed that Taylor Farms was the source. CDC testing also discovered that the Cyclospora parasites found in those infected were genetically related, further suggesting the illnesses were linked to the same outbreak.
On July 17, Taylor Farms issued a voluntary recall of all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico, including shredded iceberg lettuce, salad mixes and food service blends. By then, the recalled products had already been distributed to various restaurants and retailers across a confirmed 31 states.
“I never considered how much work actually goes into ensuring the food we eat is safe until I heard about this outbreak. This has made me more aware of where my food actually comes from, because I previously thought most produce would be locally grown and would therefore pass any FDA guidelines,” Junior Kaden Sung said.
The investigation has required cooperation between multiple agencies. The CDC and state health departments interviewed the people who had been infected with the parasite, while the FDA increased U.S.-Mexico border screening, traced the lettuce’s origin, and partnered with Mexican officials to inspect produce.
Although investigators have linked Taylor Farms lettuce to the outbreak, there have been no positive Cyclospora tests on the recalled produce. The FDA initially announced that a lettuce sample had tested positive for the virus, but after further review, it determined the result was a false positive. Still, lingering distrust led restaurants to remove iceberg lettuce from their kitchens and grocery stores to discard stock. Consumers have also been more cautious of what they purchase and consume.
“For a while, my family and I avoided any lettuce because we didn't want to risk the chance of getting the parasite. Our family was not sure about how safe our food was, so we just waited till we got an all clear,” Senior Zoe Cammer said.
For now, recalled Taylor Farms products containing iceberg lettuce are safe to consume, as the infected products have passed their best-by dates and been pulled from shelves. However, as cases continue to be confirmed, the investigation into the outbreak remains ongoing, with health officials examining the true scale of the outbreak and how contamination occurred. By improving public warnings, recall communications and tracking systems, government agencies and food companies can mitigate future parasite outbreaks and better secure the nation’s food supply.
About the Contributors
Inaya Stojanovic
Staff Writer
Inaya Stojanovic is a junior at Leland High School and a writer for The Charger Account. When not being in a pool 24/7 and playing waterpolo, she is reading dystopian books, going to the gym, shopping with her best friends, and buying new clothes.
Andrew Xie
Opinions Page Editor
Andrew Xie is a junior at Leland High School and the Opinions and Last Word Page Editor for The Charger Account. When not sleeping, he can be found working out, playing video games, and hanging out with friends.
Janelle Yang
Artist
Janelle Yang is a sophomore at Leland High School and is one of the artists for The Charger Account. In her free time she enjoys chatting with friends, listening to various types of music genres, or practicing different art styles to help improve her future pieces.
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