Sysco Corp has ceased purchasing iceberg lettuce from Mexico in response to a rising cyclosporiasis outbreak in the United States, CEO Kevin Hourican said on Tuesday. The action follows earlier steps taken in mid-July when the nation’s largest food distributor paused sales and distribution of Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce imported from Mexico.
At the time of that pause, Sysco initiated a voluntary recall of the product and was subsequently followed by an official recall notice from Taylor Farms, Hourican said. The company’s procurement decision reflects how the outbreak - described as the largest recorded U.S. incidence of cyclosporiasis - has begun to alter sourcing and distribution patterns across food supply chains.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has linked the outbreak to iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell restaurants and determined the product originated from Taylor Farms operations in central Mexico. Authorities are continuing their inquiry and are searching for other potential sources as the case count rises.
Hourican summarized Sysco’s response plainly: "We’re not buying iceberg lettuce from them, and we’re not buying it from Mexico," he said. "To the degree that we can further diversify our procurement, that is something we’re actively working on." The comment underscores a deliberate effort to change sourcing to reduce exposure while the investigation proceeds.
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness that typically causes severe, watery diarrhea, and is not generally classified as life-threatening. Michigan, where a notable number of cases have been identified, reported on Monday that two individuals with underlying medical conditions died; state health officials said the illness and associated dehydration may have exacerbated those pre-existing conditions.
The parasite that causes cyclosporiasis, Cyclospora, is transmitted when people consume food or water contaminated with human feces containing the organism. Public-health officials continue to track cases and trace potential contamination points in the supply chain.
As the investigation continues, Sysco’s temporary removal of Mexican-sourced iceberg lettuce from its procurement lineup signals immediate operational shifts for distributors, restaurant operators and produce suppliers while authorities work to identify all sources tied to the outbreak.