Washington, D.C. — Federal health officials have linked shredded iceberg lettuce served at certain Taco Bell restaurants to a growing Cyclospora outbreak that has sickened more than 1,600 people across five states, prompting the restaurant chain to remove the ingredient from its supply chain.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the outbreak has been traced to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia.
Investigators say the contaminated lettuce originated from a single supplier in Mexico, though the agencies continue working to determine whether any affected products remain available.
Health Officials Trace Outbreak to Iceberg Lettuce
The CDC, FDA and state health departments launched a joint investigation after a surge in Cyclospora infections, a parasitic illness that commonly causes gastrointestinal symptoms.
Through a traceback investigation, the FDA identified one Mexican supplier of shredded iceberg lettuce that supplied Taco Bell restaurants connected to the outbreak.
Officials are now collecting additional samples and increasing inspections of imported produce entering the United States while the investigation continues.
The FDA also said it is working closely with state health departments to determine whether contaminated lettuce may have reached other food service locations.
Michigan Reports Thousands of Cases
Although the federal investigation currently focuses on five states, Michigan has experienced one of the largest increases in reported illnesses.
According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the state has recorded 4,312 Cyclospora cases, with at least 102 people hospitalized since June 22.
Health officials also reported infections in 34 states, though many of those illnesses are being investigated separately and are not all connected to the Taco Bell outbreak.
Taco Bell Removes Supplier From Supply Chain
Following discussions with public health officials, Taco Bell announced it had voluntarily removed lettuce supplied by the identified vendor from affected restaurants.
The company said the supplier’s lettuce would be indefinitely removed nationwide, while replacement products would be delivered to impacted states within 24 hours.
In a statement, Taco Bell said:
“Based on ongoing conversations with public health officials, and out of an abundance of caution, Taco Bell has taken immediate action to voluntarily remove potentially impacted lettuce from a supplier in select states.”
The company did not identify the supplier by name or specify every state affected by the removal.
Taco Bell also encouraged other restaurants, retailers and food service operators to take similar precautionary steps if necessary.
What Is Cyclospora?
Cyclospora is an intestinal parasite that spreads through contaminated food or water.
According to the CDC, symptoms may include frequent watery diarrhea, explosive bowel movements, nausea, stomach cramps, bloating, fatigue and low-grade fever.
Illness can last for several days or even weeks if left untreated, and health officials recommend seeking medical care if symptoms become severe or persistent.
As investigators continue tracing the source of the outbreak, the FDA says it remains focused on preventing additional illnesses and ensuring any contaminated products are removed from the food supply.
Have you recently eaten at Taco Bell or experienced symptoms linked to Cyclospora? Share your experience respectfully in the comments, and remember to seek medical advice if you develop severe gastrointestinal symptoms.
