Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. stated on July 21, 2026, that federal officials have managed to bring the multistate cyclospora outbreak under control. He indicated that investigators have identified the source of the illnesses and implemented recalls, although the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is still investigating the exact source of the contamination. Kennedy mentioned, "We do have the outbreak under control," during a healthcare fraud briefing, noting extensive epidemiological investigations have been conducted.
The FDA previously indicated that a laboratory result showing a Taylor Farms lettuce sample tested positive for cyclospora should be considered a false positive after further review. The FDA continues to investigate the outbreak and collect product samples. Traceback investigations have identified Taylor Farms de Mexico as the supplier of shredded iceberg lettuce linked to Taco Bell restaurants associated with the outbreak. However, no product samples related to the investigation have confirmed positive results for the parasite.
Taylor Fresh Foods stated that the FDA informed them of the initial laboratory finding's inaccuracy and that they voluntarily recalled iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico on July 17. This recall was limited to iceberg lettuce and did not include Taylor Farms-branded salad products sold at retail.
The outbreak has resulted in 1,644 reported illnesses and 94 hospitalizations across Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia. Federal investigators are still working to identify the contaminated food responsible for these illnesses. Cyclospora infections are often linked to fresh produce, including leafy greens, herbs, and berries, but no contaminated product has been confirmed through laboratory testing in this case.
Kennedy also addressed concerns regarding the administration's response to the outbreak, stating that cuts to the Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network (FoodNet) were for redundant surveillance and that forensic efforts continue nationwide.