Outbreak of Cyclosporiasis Linked to Taco Bell Lettuce
Lettuce served at Taco Bell locations across five states has been pinpointed as the cause of a cyclosporiasis outbreak that’s leading to severe gastrointestinal symptoms, including “explosive” diarrhea, affecting thousands of individuals.
This lettuce, sourced from Mexico, was distributed to restaurants in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia, according to reports from the Associated Press.
“Theres been a record spike in Cyclospora cases across more than 30 states. Experts indicate that not all recent illnesses are linked to a single source. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has identified one supplier, though they didn’t name the company in their consumer warning. However, a federal official, who spoke anonymously, told the Associated Press that it was Taylor Farms from Salinas, California,” the article notes.
In an update from the FDA on Thursday, they advised consumers to refrain from eating lettuce at Taco Bell in the affected states.
The FDA and the CDC are collaborating with various state and local partners to investigate these outbreaks. Cyclospora illnesses have been traced back to shredded iceberg lettuce at Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia. The CDC has confirmed these illnesses nationwide.
According to information gathered by the CDC, 1,644 people have been reported infected, with Taco Bell exposure indicated in those five states. Symptoms began appearing between May 13, 2026, and July 13, 2026. While 94 individuals were hospitalized, thankfully, there have been no reported fatalities. In Michigan, food exposure details were reviewed from 190 cases linked to Taco Bell, revealing that 90% of those interviewed mentioned they had consumed iceberg lettuce.
A report from Breitbart News on Tuesday highlighted that Michigan health officials suspect lettuce as the source of the illnesses in their state.
Health officials mentioned that Taco Bell plans to discontinue the use of lettuce from suppliers connected to the outbreak, as reported by Fox Business.
Taco Bell released a statement on Thursday declaring that they “took immediate measures to voluntarily eliminate potentially affected lettuce from our suppliers in select states.” The company emphasized that they would remove the implicated ingredients from their supply chain indefinitely and promised quick replacements in certain areas.
Cyclosporiasis is a disease caused by the parasite Cyclospora, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Symptoms of this illness can include watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, cramps, bloating, increased gas, nausea, and fatigue.
