Taco Bell Lettuce Linked to Cyclospora Outbreak in 5 States

Federal officials announced on Friday that shredded iceberg lettuce, imported from Mexico and served at Taco Bell restaurants, has been identified as the source of a Cyclospora outbreak. This foodborne parasite is responsible for a surge in cases of explosive, watery diarrhea across five states: Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia. A traceback investigation conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) pinpointed a single supplier in Mexico as the origin of the iceberg lettuce provided to Taco Bell locations where affected individuals reported eating.

While federal authorities have not publicly named the specific supplier, sources cited by The Washington Post indicate that Taylor Farms is the company implicated in this outbreak. This is not the first time Taylor Farms has been associated with a foodborne illness incident. In 2024, the company was also implicated in a multi-state E. coli outbreak that was linked to contaminated onions served at McDonald's and other fast-food establishments. During the investigation into that E. coli outbreak, FDA inspectors reportedly found multiple violations at a Taylor Farms facility located in Colorado.

The current Cyclospora outbreak underscores the complexities of food supply chains and the challenges in tracing the origins of contamination. The CDC and FDA continue to monitor the situation and work with food industry partners to prevent further illnesses. Consumers experiencing symptoms of cyclosporiasis, such as watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, nausea, fatigue, and abdominal cramps, are advised to seek medical attention and report their illness to local health departments.