Taco Bell lettuce in 5 states linked to cyclosporiasis parasite outbreak
Federal health officials have traced a widespread cyclosporiasis outbreak to iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms to Taco Bell restaurants. Authorities are advising consumers in affected states to avoid the ingredient as investigations into the parasite contamination continue.
Federal health officials have identified shredded iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms of Salinas, California, as a source of a widespread outbreak of cyclosporiasis, a diarrheal illness caused by the parasite Cyclospora. The contamination, traced to lettuce served at Taco Bell locations in five U.S. States, has prompted urgent warnings from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), with over 30 states reporting cases linked to the outbreak.
The CDC and FDA confirmed the connection after epidemiological investigations tied infections to lettuce consumed at Taco Bell restaurants in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia. The agency urged consumers in those states to avoid shredded iceberg lettuce from the chain, noting that the parasite spreads through fecal contamination of water or soil. Over 1,644 people across the five states have been infected, with Michigan reporting the highest burden: 4,312 confirmed cases since June 22, including 102 hospitalizations. Nationally, more than 3,400 cases have been reported since May 1, according to the CDC.
The FDA’s traceback investigation pinpointed Taylor Farms as the sole supplier of the contaminated lettuce, though the company has not commented on the allegations. Taylor Farms, a major producer of bagged salads and fresh produce, has a history of foodborne illness outbreaks. It was linked to a 2013 cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to salad mix and a 2024 E. Coli incident involving onions supplied to McDonald’s. The company also supplies ingredients to Burger King, Walmart, and Whole Foods, according to reports.
Taco Bell announced on July 16 that it had voluntarily removed “potentially impacted lettuce” from its supply chain, citing “an abundance of caution.” The chain said it would replace the ingredient within 24 hours in affected states and emphasized its commitment to following public health guidelines. However, the CDC and FDA warned that other brands or distribution channels could still be implicated as the investigation continues. “Taco Bell has committed to stop using any lettuce from the supplier identified by FDA’s traceback investigation,” the CDC stated, while acknowledging that the outbreak’s scope might extend beyond the initial five states.
Cyclosporiasis, which typically causes watery diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and fatigue, is less common than other foodborne illnesses but has seen a rise in cases over the past decade. Experts attribute this trend to improved detection methods and climate change, which may exacerbate contamination risks. The parasite, which thrives in warm, humid conditions, is often transmitted through contaminated irrigation water or improper handling of fresh produce. Most cases are treatable with antibiotics, though the illness can persist for weeks without intervention.
The outbreak has intensified scrutiny of supply chain practices in the food industry. Michigan health officials identified iceberg lettuce as a key factor after analyzing food exposure data from 190 patients, with 90% reporting consumption of the ingredient. The FDA has since increased border screenings for implicated products and is working with Taylor Farms to determine whether contaminated lettuce remains in circulation. “FDA is working with the supplier to determine if potentially contaminated shredded iceberg lettuce remains on the market, including in other states,” the agency said.
Public health authorities caution that the full extent of the outbreak remains unclear. While the CDC’s national tally lags behind state reports, Michigan’s data highlights the severity of the situation. The state’s health department has warned that the parasite’s incubation period—typically a week—means new cases may still emerge. Meanwhile, Taco Bell’s precautionary measures have drawn mixed reactions, with some praising the swift response and others questioning the adequacy of the measures given the scale of the contamination.
The incident underscores ongoing challenges in ensuring food safety, particularly for fresh produce sourced from international suppliers. As the investigation unfolds, regulators and industry leaders face pressure to strengthen oversight and prevent future outbreaks. For now, consumers in the affected states are advised to avoid Taco Bell’s shredded iceberg lettuce and seek medical attention if symptoms persist.
