CDC links Taco Bell lettuce to multistate Cyclospora outbreak

Federal health agencies have traced a surge in Cyclospora infections to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warned consumers on Thursday not to eat the lettuce, noting that the outbreak has now surpassed the previous U.S. record of about 4,700 cases set in 2019.

An FDA investigation identified a single supplier of the lettuce, which a briefed official said was Taylor Farms of Salinas, California, though the agency did not name the company in its public warning. Taylor Farms, previously linked to other foodborne incidents, has not responded to a request for comment.

"FDA is working with the supplier of iceberg lettuce to determine if potentially contaminated shredded iceberg lettuce remains on the market," the CDC said. "Taco Bell has committed to stop using any lettuce from the supplier identified by FDA’s traceback investigation."

Taco Bell issued a statement saying it had voluntarily and temporarily removed limited ingredients at select restaurants as a precaution and would continue to follow public-health guidance. Officials added that other brands or distribution channels could also be implicated as the investigation proceeds.

Cyclospora, a microscopic parasite that causes watery diarrhea, spreads through fecal contamination of produce. While usually not life-threatening and treatable with antibiotics, the parasite has become more frequently reported in recent years, a trend attributed to improved detection methods and climate factors. The current multistate outbreak involves more than 30 states and reflects the highest number of cases recorded in the United States.

Public health authorities continue to monitor the situation and advise consumers to avoid the implicated lettuce until further notice.