Taco Bell Lettuce Supplier Linked To Cyclosporiasis Outbreak In US Causing 'Explosive Diarrhoea'

Published 17 July 2026 · us

Taco Bell Lettuce Supplier Linked To Cyclosporiasis Outbreak In US Causing 'Explosive Diarrhoea' Published By, Last Updated: July 17, 2026, 23:53 IST The CDC said

Taco Bell Lettuce Supplier Linked To Cyclosporiasis Outbreak In US Causing 'Explosive Diarrhoea' Published By, Last Updated: July 17, 2026, 23:53 IST The CDC said 1,644 people have been confirmed to have cyclosporiasis, an illness caused by the parasite Cyclospora. A Taco Bell restaurant in Pasadena, California. (Getty Images via AFP) US health officials have linked shredded iceberg lettuce used by Taco Bell to a foodborne parasite outbreak that has affected more than 1,600 people across five states. The investigation by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) traced the contamination to a single supplier of iceberg lettuce from Mexico. The affected lettuce was supplied to Taco Bell outlets in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Over 1,600 cases reported The CDC said 1,644 people have been confirmed to have cyclosporiasis, an illness caused by the parasite Cyclospora.

The infection can lead to severe diarrhoea, stomach cramps, nausea and other symptoms, with health officials describing some cases as causing “explosive diarrhoea". No deaths have been reported from the outbreak, though 94 people have been hospitalised, the CDC said. Officials said the confirmed cases were specifically linked to the Taco Bell outbreak and do not include all cyclosporiasis infections reported in the country from other sources. The CDC has not publicly identified the lettuce supplier. However, The Washington Post, citing sources familiar with the investigation, reported that Taylor Farms was the company that supplied the lettuce. Federal officials advised people in the affected states to avoid eating shredded iceberg lettuce from Taco Bell outlets linked to the outbreak. Taco Bell said it had taken immediate action to remove potentially affected lettuce from its supply chain in selected states. The company said the ingredient had been removed indefinitely and would be replaced as quickly as possible.

Cyclosporiasis is usually treatable, but if left untreated, symptoms can continue for more than a month and may lead to dehydration. Health officials also noted that reported case numbers can vary as states track both suspected and confirmed infections, with national data often updated later. (With inputs from agencies) News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Key Questions Answered How can consumers avoid cyclosporiasis from contaminated food? Consumers can reduce their risk of cyclosporiasis by washing fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating. During an outbreak, it is advised to avoid bagged salads and choose whole heads of lettuce instead of pre-washed bagged lettuce or ready-to-eat salad mixes. What steps is Taco Bell taking to prevent future outbreaks? Taco Bell removed shredded iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms as a precaution amid a cyclosporiasis outbreak potentially linked to the ingredient.