Taco Bell lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms linked to cyclosporiasis outb…
A significant multi-state outbreak of cyclosporiasis has been linked to shredded lettuce, prompting Taco Bell to pull supplies from affected locations. Federal investigators are now working to trace the source of the parasite as case numbers climb.
The U.S. Cyclosporiasis outbreak, linked to shredded iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms to Taco Bell, has escalated into a major public health investigation, with federal agencies and the fast-food chain taking precautionary measures. The outbreak, which began in May 2026, has affected thousands of people across multiple states, prompting warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Investigators have identified shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms as a potential source of contamination, though officials have not officially confirmed the link. The CDC reported that 1,644 individuals across five states — Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia — contracted the parasitic illness after eating at Taco Bell locations. These cases accounted for 145 hospitalizations, with no deaths reported. Michigan, the hardest-hit state, recorded 4,312 cases by July 16, according to state health officials.
Taco Bell, owned by Yum Brands, announced on July 16 that it had removed “potentially impacted lettuce” from select states as a precaution. The company stated the affected ingredient would be indefinitely removed from its supply chain nationwide and replaced within 24 hours in affected locations. A spokesperson emphasized that no official advisory had been issued by health authorities, but the decision followed conversations with public health officials. The FDA later confirmed it was working with the supplier to trace the source of the outbreak, though it did not name Taylor Farms directly.
While the CDC has not explicitly identified Taylor Farms as the supplier, multiple reports, including from the Washington Post and NBC News, cited unnamed sources suggesting the company provided the lettuce. The Post’s reporting, based on two individuals familiar with the investigation, noted that Taco Bell’s lettuce supply chain in the affected states traced back to Taylor Farms. However, the FDA and CDC have not publicly corroborated this, and Taylor Farms has not responded to requests for comment.
The outbreak has reignited scrutiny of Taylor Farms, a major distributor of fresh produce. The company has a history of food safety issues, including a 2013 cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to its Mexican operations and an E. Coli incident in 2024 tied to onions. In 2025, the FDA found food-safety violations at a Taylor Farms facility, though the company attributed past recalls to its own rigorous protocols. Despite these concerns, Taylor Farms remains a key supplier for major fast-food chains and supermarkets, including Burger King, McDonald’s, and Walmart.
Cyclosporiasis, caused by the parasite *Cyclospora cayetanensis*, typically spreads through contaminated food or water, particularly raw fruits and vegetables. Symptoms include watery diarrhea, nausea, and fatigue, with some cases requiring antibiotic treatment. The illness is less common than other foodborne diseases but has seen a rise in reported cases over the past decade, attributed to improved detection and climate factors. The 2026 outbreak is notable for its scale, with 1,645 confirmed cases and 5,100 additional cases under investigation as of July 14, surpassing the 2019 record of 4,700 infections.
The FDA has urged consumers in five states, Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, Kentucky, and Indiana, to avoid shredded lettuce at Taco Bell locations. The agency is also investigating whether the contaminated lettuce originated in Mexico, as the CDC noted in its reports. Meanwhile, the White House defended federal agencies’ response, stating that cuts to food safety programs under the previous administration had not hindered the current investigation.
As the probe continues, health officials warn that the outbreak may persist through August. The CDC emphasized that the true number of infections is likely higher than reported, as many cases go unconfirmed. For now, the focus remains on tracing the source and preventing further spread, with Taco Bell and Taylor Farms under increasing public and regulatory scrutiny.
