Taco Bell Lettuce Linked to Cyclospora Outbreak in 5 States

Federal health officials have identified lettuce from Mexico served at Taco Bell locations across five U.S. states as a source of a widespread outbreak of the diarrhea-causing parasite cyclospora. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a warning late Thursday advising consumers to avoid shredded iceberg lettuce from Taco Bell restaurants in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia. This outbreak has led to a record number of cyclospora cases reported in more than 30 states, with experts noting that not all recent U.S. illnesses may stem from a single source.

A Food and Drug Administration (FDA) investigation pinpointed a single supplier of the implicated lettuce. While the federal warnings did not name the company, a federal official briefed on the investigation identified Taylor Farms of Salinas, California, as the supplier to The Associated Press. Taylor Farms, which has a history of being linked to foodborne outbreaks, has not yet responded to a request for comment. The FDA is collaborating with the lettuce supplier to determine if any potentially contaminated shredded iceberg lettuce remains available on the market, including in other states, according to the CDC.

Taco Bell has pledged to cease using any lettuce from the supplier identified by the FDA's traceback investigation. Federal health officials emphasized that other brands, restaurants, retailers, or distribution channels could be identified as the investigation progresses. The CDC, FDA, and state public health officials have been actively investigating the multistate outbreak of cyclospora infections. Current data indicates that over 30 states have reported infections this year, with the number of cases surpassing the previous U.S. record of approximately 4,700 set in 2019. The illness is generally not life-threatening and is typically treated with antibiotics. Taco Bell had previously issued a statement on Tuesday, prior to the federal confirmation, announcing its voluntary and temporary removal of the implicated lettuce.