What Happened to Taylor Farms Recall?
Taylor Farms has faced multiple significant product recalls due to foodborne illness outbreaks and undeclared allergens. Most recently, in July 2026, Taylor Farms de Mexico initiated a widespread recall of iceberg lettuce linked to a multi-state Cyclospora outbreak, affecting thousands of individuals. This follows a major E. coli outbreak in 2024 tied to onions supplied to McDonald's, which resulted in one death and numerous illnesses.
Quick Answer
Taylor Farms has been involved in several prominent food recalls, with the most recent being a large-scale voluntary recall in July 2026 of iceberg lettuce from central Mexico due to Cyclospora contamination, impacting 27 U.S. states and linked to a widespread outbreak. Prior to this, in late 2024, the company recalled slivered onions identified as the likely source of an E. coli O157:H7 outbreak associated with McDonald's Quarter Pounder burgers, which sickened over 100 people and caused one fatality. The company continues to work with regulatory bodies on food safety measures and investigations into these incidents.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline11 events
Cyclospora Outbreak Linked to Taylor Farms de Mexico Salad Mix
A multistate cyclosporiasis outbreak, with illness clusters at Olive Garden and Red Lobster restaurants in Iowa and Nebraska, was traced to salad mix supplied by Taylor Farms de Mexico.
E. coli Outbreak Linked to Celery-and-Onion Mix
Taylor Farms recalled a celery-and-onion mix tied to an E. coli outbreak in Costco chicken salads that sickened nineteen people.
Listeria Recall of Chicken and Pork Salad Products
Taylor Farms establishments in Dallas, Texas, and Tracy, California, recalled approximately 6,630 pounds of chicken and pork salad products due to potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination, stemming from cheese supplied by Sargento Foods, Inc.
Salmonella Recall of Products Containing Onions
Taylor Farms Texas voluntarily recalled products containing onions due to concerns of potential Salmonella contamination, as a result of an expanded onion recall initiated by Thomson International, Inc.
Undeclared Wheat Allergen in Apple Walnut Chicken Salad
Taylor Farms Pacific recalled approximately 19,976 pounds of ready-to-eat apple walnut with chicken salad bowl products due to misbranding and undeclared wheat allergen.
E. coli Outbreak Linked to Onions Supplied to McDonald's
Taylor Farms initiated a voluntary recall of yellow onions sent to McDonald's and other food service customers after federal investigators identified them as the likely source of an E. coli O157:H7 outbreak that sickened 104 people and caused one death.
Undeclared Sesame and Soy in Honey Balsamic Salad Kit
Taylor Fresh Foods voluntarily recalled its Honey Balsamic Salad Kit due to undeclared sesame and soy allergens, caused by an incorrect dressing packet from a supplier.
Start of Distribution Period for Contaminated Iceberg Lettuce
Iceberg lettuce later linked to the multi-state Cyclospora outbreak was distributed from central Mexico by Taylor Farms de Mexico, with distribution continuing through July 16, 2026.
Federal Investigators Link Taylor Farms to Cyclospora Outbreak
Federal investigators identified Taylor Farms as the supplier of shredded iceberg lettuce linked to a large multi-state cyclosporiasis outbreak, with reports indicating thousands of illnesses.
Taylor Farms de Mexico Voluntarily Removes Lettuce; FDA Issues Advisory
Taylor Farms de Mexico announced the voluntary removal of all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico from the U.S. market. The FDA issued an advisory warning consumers to avoid shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico served at Taco Bell in affected states. Taco Bell announced it completed removal of affected lettuce from its restaurants.
Taylor Farms de Mexico Initiates Formal Recall in 27 States
Taylor Farms de Mexico published a detailed recall notice covering all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico distributed between June 29 and July 16, affecting 27 U.S. states due to potential Cyclospora contamination. The CDC updated its investigation, confirming the link.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Taylor Farms, a leading producer of fresh-cut fruits and vegetables, has been at the center of several significant food safety incidents and subsequent recalls over the years. These events underscore the challenges within the complex food supply chain and the critical importance of stringent safety protocols.
The most recent major incident unfolded in July 2026, when Taylor Farms de Mexico voluntarily removed all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico from the U.S. market due to potential contamination with Cyclospora. This action came after federal investigators linked the lettuce to one of the largest U.S. outbreaks of cyclosporiasis, with thousands of illnesses reported across at least 34 states, including over 5,000 cases in Michigan alone. The FDA's traceback investigation converged on Taylor Farms de Mexico as the supplier of shredded iceberg lettuce used by Taco Bell locations in five states where sick individuals had eaten. The company subsequently initiated a formal recall in 27 states, advising consumers and food service providers to discard affected products. Taco Bell swiftly removed the implicated lettuce from its restaurants nationwide, and major food supplier Sysco also halted distribution of Taylor Farms' processed iceberg lettuce from Mexico. The outbreak prompted renewed discussions about the effectiveness of food traceability rules, with a federal rule designed to aid such investigations having its compliance deadline extended to July 2028.
Prior to the 2026 Cyclospora outbreak, Taylor Farms was linked to a severe E. coli O157:H7 outbreak in late 2024. Federal investigators identified slivered onions supplied by Taylor Farms as the likely source of an E. coli outbreak tied to McDonald's Quarter Pounder burgers. This outbreak affected 104 people across 14 states, led to dozens of hospitalizations, and tragically resulted in one death. Following the investigation, Taylor Farms initiated a voluntary recall of yellow onions supplied to McDonald's and other food service customers. FDA inspections at a Taylor Farms processing center in Colorado reportedly found numerous violations in food safety procedures, including poor handwashing and dirty equipment.
Other notable recalls include an August 2025 incident where Taylor Fresh Foods voluntarily recalled its Honey Balsamic Salad Kit due to undeclared sesame and soy allergens. This was triggered by an incorrect dressing packet from a supplier, Latitude 36 Foods, which contained Asian Sesame Ginger dressing instead of the intended Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette. In March 2024, Taylor Farms Pacific recalled approximately 19,976 pounds of ready-to-eat apple walnut with chicken salad bowl products due to misbranding and undeclared wheat allergen. Historically, Taylor Farms de Mexico was also linked to a 2013 multistate cyclosporiasis outbreak affecting Olive Garden and Red Lobster restaurants, and in 2015, the company recalled a celery-and-onion mix associated with an E. coli outbreak in Costco chicken salads.
The consequences of these repeated recalls are significant, ranging from widespread public health concerns and numerous illnesses to potential damage to Taylor Farms' brand reputation and financial implications. The company has stated its commitment to food safety, investing in advanced pathogen testing, state-of-the-art equipment, and continuous monitoring, including AI and inline environmental monitoring. However, the recurring nature of these incidents, particularly the 2026 Cyclospora outbreak, highlights ongoing challenges in ensuring the safety of fresh produce throughout the supply chain. As of July 18, 2026, the Cyclospora investigation is ongoing, with Taylor Farms de Mexico having suspended distribution of iceberg lettuce from central Mexico indefinitely and continuing to cooperate with the FDA, CDC, and state authorities.
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