Taylor Farms Lettuce Linked to 1,644 Cyclospora Cases at Taco Bell

Federal regulators have linked shredded iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms to Taco Bell restaurants in five states to a cyclosporiasis outbreak that has sickened at least 1,644 people and hospitalized 94 since May 1. The FDA’s traceback investigation identified a single supplier of lettuce from Mexico as the source. Taco Bell has voluntarily removed the affected lettuce nationwide and will replace it within 24 hours in affected states.

The outbreak spans five states with Michigan hardest hit

The CDC linked 1,644 laboratory-confirmed illnesses to Taco Bell restaurants in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia. Michigan reported the largest number of cases overall, with more than 4,300 illnesses and 102 hospitalizations. The illnesses began between May 13 and July 13. The outbreak is considered regional, centered in the Midwest, though the lettuce may have reached other locations.

What is cyclospora and how does it spread

Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that causes an intestinal illness marked by prolonged watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, and weight loss. Symptoms typically begin about a week after infection. The parasite has a long incubation period of up to two weeks, which makes tracing the direct source difficult. Fresh produce should be thoroughly washed before eating, though cyclospora can stick to some foods and washing may not eliminate the risk.

Taylor Farms removes lettuce from supply chain nationwide

Taco Bell said it had voluntarily removed potentially impacted lettuce from a supplier in select states following conversations with public health officials. The affected ingredient is being indefinitely removed from Taco Bell’s supply chain nationwide and will be replaced within 24 hours in affected states. The FDA is working directly with the identified supplier to determine if contaminated lettuce remains on the market.

Broader outbreak continues across 34 states

The CDC is investigating other cyclosporiasis illnesses unrelated to the Taco Bell outbreak. As of July 13, the agency had confirmed 1,645 cases nationally across 34 states with 141 hospitalizations and no confirmed deaths. The true number of infections is likely higher because many people recover without being tested. The CDC expects the outbreak to continue through August. The CDC advised consumers not to eat shredded iceberg lettuce from Taco Bell in the five affected states.

Final Thoughts

The Taylor Farms lettuce outbreak is one of the largest cyclospora outbreaks on record. Consumers in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia should avoid Taco Bell lettuce until further notice. Taco Bell’s swift removal of the product nationwide limits additional exposure.

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