Taylor Farms lettuce remains the primary source of a multistate cyclospora outbreak despite a recent false positive test result from the FDA.

The Food and Drug Administration clarified Monday that a recent false positive test result does not change the primary conclusion that shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms is the source of a multistate cyclospora outbreak. While a specific sample from the company initially tested positive for the microscopic parasite, officials confirmed the result was an error. However, the traceback investigation continues to link the outbreak to lettuce from Taylor Farms' locations in central Mexico, which was served at various Taco Bell locations. The parasite has sickened at least 1,645 people across 34 states, causing symptoms such as watery diarrhea and weight loss. In response, Taylor Farms is voluntarily recalling its iceberg lettuce from the U.S. market. Taco Bell has also removed the suspected lettuce from its supply chain nationwide to ensure consumer safety. While the false positive may have caused some consumer confusion, health officials maintain that the contaminated product from Taylor Farms remains the most likely vehicle for the illness.

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