michelle
July 17, 2026

Federal health officials are investigating a multistate outbreak of cyclosporiasis linked to shredded iceberg lettuce served at certain Taco Bell restaurants in five states. Cyclosporiasis is parasitic and causes severe gastrointestinal illness, including prolonged explosive diarrhea, vomiting, and fatigue. If left untreated, symptoms may last for weeks.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 1,644 people who became ill reported eating at Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia.
The illnesses are part of a larger nationwide outbreak that has resulted in more than 5,100 possible cases across over 30 states, including at least 140 hospitalizations.
Investigators traced the lettuce served at the affected Taco Bell locations to Taylor Farms, which sourced the shredded iceberg lettuce from Mexico. The FDA is working with the supplier to determine whether any potentially contaminated product remains in circulation.
In response to the investigation, Taco Bell voluntarily removed the affected lettuce from restaurants in certain states and announced it is permanently discontinuing use of the supplier nationwide while transitioning to a replacement.
Michigan has reported one of the highest numbers of illnesses associated with the outbreak, with over 4,000 cases. State health officials said the lettuce appears to be the likely source after reviewing patient data. Investigators continue working to determine whether the Taco Bell cases are connected to other Cyclospora infections reported nationwide.
This is not the first time Taco Bell has faced a food safety incident involving produce. In 2006, federal investigators linked lettuce served at several Taco Bell restaurants in the Northeast to an E. coli outbreak. Taylor Farms, one of the world’s largest fresh vegetable producers, also dealt with an E. coli outbreak tied to its onions in 2024. The produce company has facilities across North America and Western Europe.
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