By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
Consumers across the country are taking a second look at their salads as a growing Cyclospora outbreak has triggered the recall of certain shredded iceberg lettuce products distributed to restaurants, schools, hospitals and grocery stores in 27 states, including Alabama.
Health experts emphasize that not all lettuce is affected. The recall primarily involves specific shredded iceberg lettuce products, select salad mixes and certain Marketside-branded iceberg salads sold at Walmart with “Best If Used By” dates through Aug. 3, 2026.
Whole heads of romaine, green leaf, red leaf and butter lettuce, along with locally grown lettuce from unaffected suppliers, are generally considered safe. Experts also recommend buying whole heads of lettuce when possible because they undergo less processing, reducing opportunities for contamination.
The FDA says contaminated lettuce was distributed between June 29 and July 16. Although the recalled products were shipped to 27 states, illnesses have not been reported everywhere. Michigan, Illinois, Texas, Pennsylvania, Florida and New Jersey have reported some of the largest numbers of cases under investigation. Federal investigators have linked many early illnesses to Taco Bell restaurants supplied with shredded iceberg lettuce traced to Taylor Farms de Mexico.
Unfortunately, simply washing recalled lettuce may not eliminate Cyclospora, a microscopic parasite that can cling tightly to leafy greens. Health officials advise consumers to throw away any recalled lettuce rather than trying to wash it.
Cyclospora symptoms usually develop two to 14 days after eating contaminated food and may include watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, fatigue, fever, weight loss and loss of appetite. Fortunately, the infection is treatable with prescription antibiotics once diagnosed.
Officials encourage consumers to check product labels carefully, stay informed about recalls and continue enjoying fresh produce from trusted sources while avoiding recalled products.