FDA False Positive in Cyclospora Outbreak: What Sacramento Families Need to Know About Recalled Lettuce

On July 19, the FDA announced it had made a testing error in the ongoing Cyclospora outbreak investigation. A lettuce sample from Taylor Farms previously reported as positive for Cyclospora was actually a false positive—lab experts determined it did not represent actual contamination. While the agency apologized for the mistake, the broader outbreak remains serious and unresolved. More than 1,600 people across Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia have fallen ill with Cyclospora after eating shredded iceberg lettuce at Taco Bell locations. Ninety-four of those people have required hospitalization, with illness onset dates spanning from May 13 through July 13.

Despite the false positive test result, Taylor Farms had already initiated a voluntary recall of all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico on July 17. Taylor Fresh Foods expanded that recall to include Marketside-brand salads and shredded lettuce sold at Walmart, along with other distributed products. The recalled items carry best-by dates ranging from July 18 to August 3, 2026. Consumers should check the labels on any bagged salads or shredded lettuce purchased during this window and discard matching products immediately. The FDA has not yet identified any confirmed positive test results for Cyclospora in product samples, but the agency continues its investigation to trace the source of the outbreak.

So what does this mean for Sacramento families? The takeaway is simple: don’t let the false positive story distract you from the real issue. An active outbreak is still happening, contaminated products may still be in circulation, and you need to protect your household. Check your refrigerator for Marketside products with the affected best-by dates. If you’ve eaten at a Taco Bell location during the illness window and experienced symptoms like severe watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, and fever, contact your healthcare provider. Have you checked your lettuce supply yet, or do you have questions about which products are affected?