The U.S.Food and Drug Administration (FDA) confirmed that a sample of shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico tested positive for Cyclospora, a microscopic parasite causing severe gastrointestinal illness.This discovery prompted the expansion of a multistate recall that already included over 1,600 reported illnesses across five states.The contaminated sample was not part of Taylor Farms' current recall but was identified through targeted import surveillance.The company is working to determine if any affected lettuce remains in circulation or in consumers' homes.

The recall covers 12-ounce and 24-ounce bags of Marketside iceberg salad, as well as 8-ounce and 16-ounce bags of shredded iceberg lettuce distributed between June 29 and July 16, with 'best if used by' dates through August 3.The affected lettuce was sold in 27 states.

This follows the FDA's announcement that Taco Bell will stop using lettuce from a supplier linked to the outbreak, which has sickened 1,644 people and hospitalized 94.Cyclospora can cause severe diarrhea, nausea, and fatigue, prompting the FDA to urge consumers to discard or return recalled products.

Taylor Farms reiterated that its branded salad kits are not implicated and voluntarily removed iceberg lettuce from Central Mexico after FDA warnings.

The agency is investigating illnesses in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia, advising consumers in those states to avoid shredded iceberg lettuce from Mexico at Taco Bell restaurants.