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  1. HFP Constituent Updates

Explaining the FDA’s Classification of the Taylor Farms de Mexico Iceberg Lettuce Recall

Constituent Update

August 28, 2026

In today’s Enforcement Report the U.S. Food and Drug Administration published its classification for the recall of iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico associated with the multistate outbreak of Cyclospora infections, along with a classification of a related downstream recall.

These classification postings to the Enforcement Report reflect the agency’s assessment of the level of public health hazard associated with the recalled products after FDA has reviewed and evaluated all information and is part of our normal process in responding to a recall. It does not mean the recall has been expanded, upgraded, or elevated. The company’s original recall notice issued on July 17, 2026, remains the same. As was the case here – and most of the time – the FDA determines our classification of a recall after the recalling company publishes its public recall notification.

The Best if Used By Dates for the recalled lettuce have passed, and the products should no longer be available in stores or restaurants. Supported by recall audit checks, the FDA is confident none of the recalled iceberg lettuce remains on the market.

Recap of the Recall

On July 17, 2026, Taylor Farms de Mexico initiated a voluntary recall of iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico after the FDA’s traceback investigation linked the product to the outbreak. The recall included certain retail products as well as iceberg lettuce distributed to Taco Bell.  

Anyone experiencing symptoms of cyclosporiasis such as diarrhea, loss of appetite, fatigue, or cramping should contact a healthcare provider.

What does the FDA’s classification mean?

The FDA uses three classification levels—Class I, Class II and Class III—to communicate the relative degree of health risk associated with a recalled product. The agency classifies recalls based on the facts and health risks associated with the particular recall.

The FDA has classified this recall as Class I, meaning the agency deemed the recall a situation in which there is a reasonable probability that the use of, or exposure to, a recalled product will cause serious health consequences or death.

The strength of the epidemiology connecting the outbreak to the recalled lettuce, along with the scope and severity of this multi-state outbreak, are significant and unprecedented compared to prior Cyclospora incidents. As of August 20, nearly 11,000 illnesses had been reported, including more than 450 hospitalizations and two deaths. Based on the available evidence and the serious health consequences observed in this outbreak, the FDA determined the recall meets the standard for Class I.

The agency continues to work with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, state and local health officials, and international partners to investigate the outbreak.

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