Outbreak of cyclosporiasis linked to lettuce in Taco Bell restaurants
Shredded iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms and sold at some Taco Bell restaurants has been linked to a multistate outbreak of cyclosporiasis, a source familiar with the investigation said Thursday, reports BritPanorama.
Cases of the intestinal illness caused by a microscopic parasite are surging across the US, with nearly 7,000 cases confirmed or under investigation since May 1, according to data published Tuesday by the CDC. Confirmed cases alone are more than six times higher than they were at this time last year, and there have been at least 141 hospitalizations.
The outbreak linked to the lettuce is considered to be a regional one, centered in the Midwest. The CDC has identified at least 400 cases associated with the outbreak across four states—Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky—and the source stated that those states are where the affected Taco Bell locations are. The produce may also have gone to other locations.
The Michigan state health department has reported more than 4,300 cases of cyclospora during the outbreak investigation. Officials noted that they have interviewed more than 1,000 people and identified lettuce or salad greens as a potential source for the outbreak.
The state health department indicated that it “cannot say with certainty that every illness is linked to the same source of exposure” but that the concentrated increase in cases “strongly suggests that the vast majority of these illnesses are associated with the same outbreak.” This situation could mark the largest cyclospora outbreak in the United States on record.
Neither Taco Bell nor Taylor Farms has responded to requests for comment on the situation.
Cyclosporiasis is not typically spread directly from person to person. Instead, infection occurs through the consumption of contaminated food or water. The CDC notes that previous outbreaks have been linked to fresh produce.
Symptoms of cyclosporiasis may include watery diarrhea, cramping, and bloating lasting for weeks. There are multiple investigations underway, including those tied to the larger outbreak in the Midwest, specific states, and isolated cases not yet connected to any outbreak clusters.
Taylor Farms supplies grocery stores and restaurants nationwide, but it remains unclear how many of its products or which locations are affected. Taco Bell announced it would temporarily remove some ingredients from its menu at certain restaurant locations as a precaution.
“While authorities continue their broader review, Taco Bell has voluntarily and temporarily removed limited ingredients at select restaurants as a precautionary measure,” Taco Bell Corp. stated. “We will continue to closely monitor the situation and follow the guidance of public health authorities.”
Previous outbreaks involving Taylor Farms products include E. coli cases linked to slivered onions in 2024 and cyclospora cases associated with lettuce in 2013.
