Alabama reports 21 cyclospora cases: what to know about the iceberg lettuce recall

An ongoing cyclospora outbreak has triggered a nationwide recall of iceberg lettuce. Taylor Fresh Foods and Taylor Farms have issued a recall for all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico that was distributed across 27 states between June 29 and July 16, a list that includes Alabama.

Recall Details and Impact

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, this recall is a direct response to a mounting number of cyclosporiasis cases. Taylor Fresh Foods has confirmed they are pulling the affected products from shelves and have suspended all distributions of iceberg lettuce originating from central Mexico. The company emphasized that no other products are affected by this order and confirmed that their salad kits do not contain iceberg lettuce.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identified a link between the outbreak and lettuce served at specific Taco Bell locations, which was supplied by Taylor Farms.

The Situation in Alabama

The Alabama Department of Public Health has confirmed 21 cases of the illness within the state, according to reporting by WIAT. Distribution of these cases is concentrated in the Northern District, which accounts for 15 infections. Additional cases have been reported in the Southwestern (two), Mobile, Northeastern, Southeastern, and West Central districts (one each).

While one individual in Alabama required hospitalization, no deaths have been reported. State health officials noted that while some cases are tied to international travel or general foodborne outbreaks, two instances are connected to Mexican-style restaurants unrelated to Taco Bell.

Understanding Cyclosporiasis

The CDC defines Cyclospora as a microscopic parasite that leads to an intestinal infection known as cyclosporiasis. Infection typically occurs through the consumption of fresh produce contaminated via fecal matter or tainted water. While generally not life-threatening and treatable with antibiotics, symptoms can be persistent.

According to the Alabama Department of Public Health, symptoms—most commonly watery diarrhea—surface between two days and two weeks post-infection. Patients may also experience fatigue and other gastrointestinal distress that can return even after an initial recovery. Without proper treatment, the illness can last anywhere from a few days up to a month.

Staying Protected

The CDC continues to monitor the situation. As of July 14, officials had identified at least 1,645 laboratory-confirmed cases nationwide, with thousands more under investigation. Consumers can view a comprehensive list of impacted products on the FDA website.