CDC and FDA advise avoiding shredded lettuce at Taco Bell amid cyclospora outbreak

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have identified shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell restaurants in Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, Kentucky and Indiana as the likely source of a recent spike in cyclospora infections. As of mid-July, more than 6,000 cases have been reported nationwide, with over 1,600 lab-confirmed cases in the five states and 94 hospitalizations linked to the fast-food chain.

The parasite, which causes diarrheal illness, is typically transmitted through food or water contaminated with human feces. Federal investigators say genetic testing points to a single supplier of the lettuce, reportedly a multinational producer of salad greens. The agencies have not publicly named the supplier, but a media report identified Taylor Farms as the source. The FDA said it is working with the supplier to determine whether contaminated product remains on the market.

James E. Rogers, PhD, director of food safety at Consumer Reports, cautioned that while the outbreak is concentrated in the five states, consumers elsewhere can continue to eat fruits and vegetables but should follow standard hygiene practices. > "You can and should continue to eat fruits and vegetables, but you might want to take additional precautions depending on where you live," he said.

The CDC’s deputy director of the Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, Gwen Biggerstaff, MPH, noted that the true number of infections is likely higher because many mild cases go unreported. > "The true number of infections is almost certainly higher than what’s reflected in these numbers, because many people with mild illness recover without seeking medical care and are never tested," she told reporters.

Federal advisories recommend that residents of the affected states avoid any food items containing shredded iceberg lettuce from Mexico served at Taco Bell until further notice. The agencies also advise washing all produce thoroughly, using a clean brush for firmer items, and practicing good hand hygiene. For individuals with weakened immune systems, pregnant people, young children and older adults, cooking vegetables to at least 158°F can inactivate the parasite.

The outbreak follows previous cyclospora incidents linked to contaminated raspberries, basil, cilantro and other leafy greens. Health officials emphasize that produce from local sources such as home gardens or farmers markets may pose a lower risk, provided it has not been exposed to contaminated water or fecal matter.