Published: July 2026
By Ohio Healthy Living Health Desk
Ohio consumers are being urged to check their refrigerators after federal health officials announced a voluntary recall of certain iceberg lettuce products that may be linked to a multistate outbreak of Cyclospora, a parasite that can cause prolonged gastrointestinal illness.
The recall, announced by Taylor Fresh Foods (Taylor Farms de Mexico), affects both retail and food-service lettuce products distributed in Ohio and 27 other states between June 29 and July 16, 2026.
Why the Lettuce Is Being Recalled
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the recalled iceberg lettuce may be contaminated with Cyclospora cayetanensis, a microscopic parasite that causes an intestinal illness known as cyclosporiasis.
The company voluntarily removed the affected products from the U.S. market after investigators linked them to a multistate outbreak. Taylor Fresh Foods has also suspended distribution of the implicated lettuce while working with the FDA, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state health officials.
Is Ohio Affected?
Yes.
Ohio is among the states that received shipments of the recalled lettuce products. Other affected states include Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Florida, Texas, Illinois, Wisconsin, and several others.
If you purchased packaged shredded iceberg lettuce or iceberg salad products during the past several weeks, now is a good time to check your refrigerator.
What Is Cyclospora?
Cyclospora is a parasite that spreads through contaminated food or water. Unlike many foodborne illnesses, symptoms may not appear immediately. In some people, illness can last for several weeks or even return after symptoms seem to improve.
Common symptoms include:
Frequent diarrhea
Stomach cramps or abdominal pain
Bloating
Excessive gas
Nausea
Loss of appetite
Weight loss
Fatigue
Headache
Body aches
Fever
Occasional vomiting
Some people may not develop symptoms at all, while others—especially older adults or those with weakened immune systems—may experience more severe illness requiring medical care.
Without treatment, dehydration and recurring symptoms can occur.
Which Businesses May Have Received the Recalled Lettuce?
In addition to packaged retail products sold in grocery stores, the recall also affects food-service lettuce products distributed to businesses and institutions.
These products were supplied to:
Restaurants
Fast-food establishments
Cafeterias
Hospitals
Schools and universities
Nursing homes and assisted living facilities
Corporate cafeterias
Catering companies
Institutional kitchens
The FDA's recall notice lists several distributor and food-service product labels, identified by internal codes such as CV, JB, MARK, PK, SUB, SY, and TF. These are commercial product labels used within the food-service industry and are generally not brand names that consumers would recognize on grocery store shelves.
If you recently ordered a salad, sandwich, taco, burger, wrap, or other meal containing shredded or chopped iceberg lettuce from a restaurant or cafeteria between late June and mid-July, you may have been served lettuce included in this recall.
Businesses that received the affected products have been notified and instructed to remove them from use.
What Should Consumers Do?
If you have any recalled iceberg lettuce products:
Do not eat them.
Throw the lettuce away immediately.
Clean any surfaces or containers that may have come into contact with the product.
Return the product to the place of purchase if you would like a refund.
Even if the lettuce looks and smells fresh, it may still be contaminated.
When Should You Contact Your Doctor?
Contact your healthcare provider if you recently ate recalled iceberg lettuce and develop:
Persistent diarrhea
Severe stomach pain
Signs of dehydration
Fever
Symptoms lasting more than a few days
Cyclospora infections are treatable, but early diagnosis can help reduce complications.
Ohio Healthy Living Safety Tip
Food recalls happen more often than many people realize. Staying informed about health alerts can help protect you and your family from preventable illness.
Ohio Healthy Living encourages readers to:
Check your refrigerator and pantry regularly for recalled products.
Follow FDA and CDC food safety alerts.
Wash your hands after handling recalled food.
Share important recall information with family members, especially older adults and those with weakened immune systems.
Bottom Line
If you purchased packaged iceberg lettuce recently, especially shredded lettuce or prepared iceberg salad, take a moment to verify whether it is part of this recall. When in doubt, throw it out.
Food safety experts say it's always better to replace a package of lettuce than risk a foodborne illness that could last for weeks.
Need More Information?
Consumers with questions about the recall may contact Taylor Fresh Foods Customer Care at 855-455-0098 (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. PST).
Ohio Healthy Living will continue monitoring this developing story and provide updates as additional information becomes available.
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