{"aiVersion":"1","content":{"id":"cmrsischm0004zd0j2aq5pffl","slug":"what-happened-with-the-iceberg-lettuce-recall-simp-20260720","title":"What Happened with the Iceberg Lettuce Recall: Simple and Clear English","level":"MEDIUM","publishedAt":"2026-07-20T01:02:21.517Z"},"topic":{"slug":"what-happened-with-the-iceberg-lettuce-recall-simp-20260720","category":"science"},"article":{"paragraphs":["Taylor Farms has expanded a voluntary recall of iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico after public health officials identified a possible link to cyclospora infections. The recall covers products that were shipped between June 29 and July 16 and were sold with expiration dates through Aug. 3. The company has removed iceberg lettuce from the affected region while investigators continue traceback work. The recall now covers 27 states, and retailers and restaurants have been asked to remove affected items.","The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration have been investigating a multistate outbreak. They identified shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia as a source of some illnesses, while other cases remain under review. A sample of shredded iceberg lettuce collected during import screening has tested positive for Cyclospora, although that sample was not part of the recalled lots. Therefore, consumers who bought the products should check package labels and dispose of recalled lettuce. If you have watery diarrhea or stomach pain after eating lettuce, contact your health care provider."],"wordCount":184,"readTime":2},"vocabulary":[{"word":"traceback","example":"Officials used a traceback to find where the lettuce came from.","phonetic":"/ˈtreɪsˌbæk/","definition":"An investigation that follows a food item back through the supply chain to find its source."},{"word":"import","example":"The lettuce was imported from central Mexico.","phonetic":"/ˈɪm.pɔːrt/","definition":"To bring goods into one country from another."},{"word":"outbreak","example":"There is an outbreak of stomach illness this summer.","phonetic":"/ˈaʊt.breɪk/","definition":"When many people get the same disease in a short time."},{"word":"dispose","example":"Please dispose of recalled lettuce.","phonetic":"/dɪˈspəʊz/","definition":"To throw something away safely."}],"quiz":[{"answer":"Taylor Farms","question":"Who expanded the voluntary recall?"},{"answer":"shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia","question":"Where did officials identify shredded iceberg lettuce as a source of some illnesses?"},{"answer":"27 states","question":"How many states does the recall cover?"}],"discussion":[{"question":"Do you check expiration dates on packaged vegetables? How carefully?"},{"question":"Have you or someone you know had food poisoning? What happened?"},{"question":"What would you do if you found a recalled product in your kitchen?"},{"question":"Do you trust restaurants to remove recalled ingredients quickly? Why or why not?"}]}