US reports 10,930 Cyclospora cases linked to lettuce

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — A Cyclospora outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce has resulted in 10,930 reported infections across 17 US states, with 454 people hospitalized and two deaths, UzbekistanFood Safety Committee said.

The investigation is being conducted by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

According to FDA data as of 20 August 2026, the epidemiological investigation links the reported illnesses to processed iceberg lettuce. The product was grown in central regions of Mexico and supplied by Taylor Farms de Mexico.

Following the findings of the investigation, the company began a voluntary recall of the relevant products from the US market on 17 July 2026.

The outbreak has drawn attention to sanitary and microbiological safety requirements for food products intended for the US market, the Food Safety Committee of Uzbekistan said.

For companies exporting food, fruit and vegetable products to the United States, compliance with hygiene requirements during cultivation and packaging, quality control of water used in production and ensuring product traceability are important.

Exporters are also advised to comply with food safety requirements established by the FDA, the committee said.