Walmart Pulls Lettuce Linked to Cyclospora Outbreak

Walmart began quietly removing Taylor Farms-supplied Marketside bagged salads linked to a potential cyclosporiasis outbreak, with product withdrawals spanning 27 states. The retailer said it pulled some bags of Marketside Bagged Iceberg Salad and Shredded Iceberg Salad after receiving notice from its supplier, while stating there have been no confirmed illnesses tied to the specific items. Walmart said it is working with the supplier and has taken immediate steps as a precaution. The move follows Taco Bell’s announcement on July 17 that it removed lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms from its restaurants; the FDA and CDC had reported on July 16 that investigations connected shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico to reported illnesses, including prolonged diarrhea. In Michigan, more than 5,000 cases had been reported and 102 people hospitalized as of July 16. Taylor Fresh Foods also updated the FDA with recall details, while Sysco said it was removing similar Mexico-sourced lettuce.