The FDA says test results that appeared to connect a growing Cyclospora outbreak to iceberg lettuce supplied to Taco Bell were incorrect. In an update, the agency said the product finding was a false positive and issued an apology as the investigation moved forward.
That reversal is important because it means regulators still do not have a confirmed positive product sample tied to the outbreak. While health officials continue tracing possible sources, the latest update removes what had seemed like a direct link between the illnesses and lettuce from Taylor Farms.
Cyclospora is a parasite that can cause intestinal illness, and outbreak investigations often depend on a mix of lab work, patient interviews and supply chain tracking. When a test result is withdrawn, it can complicate efforts to identify the exact food source, especially as case counts continue to rise.
For now, the FDA’s update shifts the focus back to the broader investigation rather than a single supplier or product. The agency has made clear that, despite the earlier report, it does not yet have a confirmed product test proving which food is responsible.
