Taco Bell lettuce linked to multistate cyclospora outbreak

Shredded iceberg lettuce provided by Taylor Farms and used in some Taco Bell restaurants has been linked to a multistate outbreak of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic intestinal illness, according to a source familiar with the investigation. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says the outbreak has produced at least 400 confirmed cases across Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia and Kentucky, and the illness has been reported in nearly 7,000 people nationwide since May 1.

Michigan’s health department, which has recorded more than 4,300 cases in the state, noted that while it cannot confirm every illness stems from the same exposure, the sharp rise in cases strongly suggests a common source, making it the largest cyclospora outbreak in U.S. history. The department has interviewed over 1,000 individuals as part of its probe.

Taco Bell said it is voluntarily removing certain ingredients from select restaurants as a precaution while authorities continue their broader review. > "While authorities continue their broader review, Taco Bell has voluntarily and temporarily removed limited ingredients at select restaurants as a precautionary measure," the company said in a statement.

The CDC emphasizes that cyclospora is typically transmitted through contaminated food or water, not person-to-person contact, and previous outbreaks have been linked to fresh produce. Symptoms can include watery diarrhea, abdominal cramping and bloating lasting several weeks. Federal health officials are conducting multiple investigations, some focused on the Midwest cluster and others on isolated cases.

Taylor Farms supplies both grocery stores and restaurants nationwide, but it is not yet clear how many of its products or locations may be affected. Neither the company nor Taco Bell has responded to requests for comment.