Multistate Cyclospora Outbreak Linked to Lettuce at Taco Bell

The United States is currently experiencing a multistate outbreak of cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness caused by the Cyclospora parasite, linked to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia. The outbreak has resulted in 1,644 reported cases of illness, including 94 hospitalizations, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) ^[1][2].

The illnesses began between May 13 and July 13, 2026, with no reported deaths. The FDA’s traceback investigation identified a single supplier of iceberg lettuce from Mexico used by the affected Taco Bell locations. In response, Taco Bell has committed to discontinuing the use of lettuce from this supplier ^[1][2].

Cyclospora does not transmit from person to person. Previous outbreaks have been associated with various produce items, including lettuce, raspberries, basil, salad mixes, cilantro, berry and fruit mixes, and snap peas ^[2][3].

What Is Known

The outbreak has been confirmed by both the FDA and AP News, with the source traced to a specific supplier of iceberg lettuce used by Taco Bell. The outbreak has affected five states, with a significant number of cases and hospitalizations reported ^[1][2].

What Remains Unclear

While CBS News reported that Taylor Farms is being investigated as the possible supplier, this information remains unconfirmed by other sources ^[4]. Additionally, advice suggesting that washing whole heads of lettuce and avoiding bagged salad can reduce risk has only been reported by Fox News and is not corroborated by other outlets ^[5].