Cyclospora Outbreaks Linked to Taco Bell Lettuce in Some States, Source Unclear in North Carolina

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration have linked recent Cyclospora outbreaks in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia to shredded lettuce served at Taco Bell. North Carolina health officials have not pinpointed a source, noting that patients most frequently reported consuming parsley, cilantro or lettuce.

Taylor Farms, a supplier of lettuce to Taco Bell, announced it will remove and replace the affected product. Rutgers University food microbiologist Don Schaffner advised anyone who ate at Taco Bell and experiences diarrhea to seek medical care, while those without symptoms are likely fine.

Schaffner said the parasite’s long incubation period—ranging from two to 14 days—makes tracing infections difficult, especially because genetic fingerprinting for Cyclospora is less advanced than for bacteria such as E. coli. He added that epidemiologists must rely on statistical correlations, which can be challenging when common foods like lettuce are involved.

State investigators use a detailed questionnaire to track patients’ food histories and travel, but the process is time-consuming and depends on individuals’ recall. A local resident, identified only as Lianne, said she is avoiding bagged lettuce and other produce while awaiting test results.

Schaffner emphasized that most fresh fruits and vegetables currently on the market have not been linked to the outbreak and would be recalled if they were.