Taco Bell Lettuce Linked to Illness Outbreak

A recent report suggests that lettuce supplied to Taco Bell by Taylor Farms may be the source of a parasitic disease affecting many Americans, resulting in severe diarrhea.

This summer, shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms has been associated with an outbreak of cyclospora, according to insights shared by two individuals familiar with the ongoing investigation.

“There’s a significant number of people getting sick at Taco Bell. When asked about common menu items, lettuce frequently came up,” one source noted, speaking anonymously due to the sensitive nature of the investigation.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) traced the lettuce supply for Taco Bell to Taylor Farms, particularly in Michigan and three other states that experienced the most cases of the outbreak.

Health officials in Michigan had previously indicated that leafy greens were likely the cause of a wave of gastrointestinal illnesses, based on interviews conducted with over 1,000 patients.

Many Taco Bell locations in Detroit posted signs earlier this month, stating that the chain “currently cannot sell lettuce, cilantro onion, pico de gallo, or guacamole due to a nationwide recall.” According to local news, orders including these items were impacted.

Some of Taco Bell’s essential menu items typically include shredded lettuce as a standard component.

Taco Bell has announced plans to adhere to health guidelines and monitor the situation closely. “The health and safety of our customers is our top priority,” the company stated, adding that they are temporarily removing specific ingredients from several locations.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identified a possible connection between cases reported in Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky earlier this week.

Over 3,400 cases have emerged in Michigan alone, with more than 100 individuals requiring hospitalization as of Thursday. Since May 1, the CDC has confirmed over 1,600 cases of cyclospora across 34 states.

Taylor Farms, the supplier for Taco Bell, also provides produce for other fast food chains like Burger King and McDonald’s, in addition to bagged greens sold at supermarkets such as Whole Foods and Walmart. The company has production facilities spanning the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Europe.

Previously, Taylor Farms faced scrutiny for being linked to other outbreaks, such as an E. coli incident connected to raw onions at McDonald’s. An FDA inspection of their facility uncovered multiple food safety violations, resulting in 104 affected individuals, including one fatality.

Taylor Farms has not responded to requests for comments regarding the current situation.