How the outbreak of an intestinal parasite in the U.S. unfolded
Canada has not as yet reported any Cyclospora outbreaks
CBC News · Posted: Jul 21, 2026 1:00 AM PDT | vegg/blueberries/
Federal and state authorities in the U.S. have been investigating cases of illness from an intestinal parasite. Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that contaminates food that has come into contact with human feces, such as when produce is irrigated or washed with contaminated water.
Cyclosporiasis, the infection caused by the parasite, most commonly causes diarrhea, but some people can experience other gastrointestinal symptoms and dehydration. Symptoms usually start within a week of ingesting the parasite, doctors say. The illness usually does not spread from person to person. As of July 20, more than 30 states have reported illnesses, with about 100 hospitalizations to date and no deaths. The true number of infections is likely much higher given many ppl recover without seeking medical treatment & there is lag between when symptoms start & reporting. Public health officials say they are not currently investiagting any Cyclospora outbreaks in Canada.
Foods imported to Canada that have been linked to the Cyclospora parasite include:
Basil.
Cilantro.
Raspberries.
Blackberries.
Mesclun lettuce.
Snow and snap peas.
Pre-packaged salad mix.
This is how the current outbreak south of the border unfolded and how Canadian health officials reacted. July 8, 2026 "In the spring and summer, there is usually an increase in Cyclospora infections linked to consuming fresh fruit and vegetables imported from other countries," a spokesperson for PHAC said in an email.
July 16: The FDA and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in collaboration with state and local partners, investigate a multi-state outbreak of Cyclospora illnesses linked to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia.
July 17: Taylor Farms de Mexico, which provided shredded iceberg lettuce used by Taco Bell locations where sick people ate before becoming ill, is flagged by the FDA as a supplier. The company announces that it is voluntarily removing all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico from the U.S. market. Health officials in Quebec say that since the beginning of the year, 85 cases of cyclosporiasis have been reported, compared to 30 cases in 2025 for the same period (average of 32 cases annually between 2022 and 2025).
July 18: On July 17, the FDA said Taylor Farms de Mexico, based in Guanajuato and also known as Taylor Fresh Foods, announces that it is voluntarily removing all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico from the U.S. market. A recall notice put out by Taylor Fresh Foods includes Marketside-brand iceberg lettuce products available at Walmart in the U.S.
July 20: On social media, FDA officials clarify there is still "overwhelming epidemiological data" supporting a large voluntary recall by Taylor Farms. The Public Health Agency of Canada says is still not currently investigating any Cyclospora outbreaks in Canada.
