(WWJ) There's a new twist in that massive lettuce recall amid the nationwide cyclosporiasis outbreak. But Michiganders should know that, essentially, not much has changed as far as guidance for the public
Federal health officials have walked back a key laboratory test result, saying there as a "false positive" on a test of Taco Bell lettuce, causing a wave of mixed messaging online.
However, state and federal agencies confirm that the threat remains real, and the major lettuce recall affecting Michigan consumers is still active.
Here is what Michigan families need to know to stay safe (updated as of Monday morning):
The "False Positive" Mix-Up
Over the weekend, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced it had physically found the Cyclospora parasite in a sample of Taylor Farms lettuce.
Just one day later, the FDA corrected itself. Because Cyclospora is a highly complex parasite that is notoriously difficult to test in a lab, a secondary review by senior scientists revealed the initial result was a false positive.
Why the Recall is Still In Place
While scientists have not yet successfully trapped the parasite in a laboratory dish, the real-world evidence pointing to the lettuce is overwhelming.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) traced a massive cluster of illnesses back to people who ate shredded iceberg lettuce at Taco Bell restaurants across five states, including Michigan. Taylor Farms was identified as the direct supplier of that lettuce, which was sourced from central Mexico.
Because the real-world tracking data is so strong, Taylor Farms’ voluntary recall of all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico remains active out of an abundance of caution.
Michigan is the Hardest-Hit State
This is not a minor stomach bug. Michigan is currently ground zero for this outbreak, experiencing an unprecedented spike in cases.
- The Numbers: The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has reported a staggering 2,640 cases statewide. In a normal year, Michigan typically sees only 40 to 50 cases total.
- The Symptoms: Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that attacks the intestines, causing severe, watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, bloating, and intense fatigue. Symptoms can take up to two weeks to appear after eating contaminated food.
What You Should Do
Michigan health officials are urging residents to take immediate precautions with their produce:
- Check Your Fridge: Do not eat recalled Marketside-brand bagged iceberg salad (12-oz or 24-oz) or shredded lettuce (8-oz or 16-oz) purchased at Walmart with "Best If Used By" dates ranging from July 18 through August 3, 2026.
- Skip Restaurant Iceberg Lettuce: Avoid eating shredded iceberg lettuce at local Taco Bell locations or other restaurants in the state unless you can confirm it did not come from the recalled supplier.
- Ditch the Bags for Now: MDHHS recommends consumers skip pre-washed, bagged lettuce mixes entirely for the time being. Instead, buy whole heads of lettuce, peel away and discard the outer two to three layers, and thoroughly wash the inner leaves under running water.
Note: Taylor Farms-branded salad kits do not use iceberg lettuce and are not included in this recall.
If you or a family member are experiencing prolonged, severe stomach illness, contact your doctor immediately and explicitly ask to be tested for Cyclospora/
