Iceberg lettuce sold at Taco Bell linked to cyclospora outbreak

Outbreak Investigation Links Contaminated Produce to Multiple States

Iceberg lettuce sold at Taco Bell – Health officials have confirmed that iceberg lettuce sold at Taco Bell restaurants is connected to a growing multistate outbreak of cyclosporiasis. The shredded iceberg lettuce, supplied by Taylor Farms, has been identified as a potential source of infection for thousands of Americans. According to a source familiar with the investigation, cases of this intestinal illness caused by a microscopic parasite are surging across the United States. Since May 1, nearly 7,000 cases have been confirmed or are under investigation, according to data published Tuesday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Confirmed cases alone are more than six times higher than they were at this time last year, and there have been at least 141 hospitalizations reported.

Regional Impact and Affected Locations

The outbreak linked to the lettuce is considered to be primarily regional, centered in the Midwest region of the country. The CDC has identified at least 400 cases associated with this specific outbreak across four states – Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia and Kentucky. The source told CNN that these states are where the affected Taco Bell locations are located. However, they noted that the produce may have also gone to other places beyond these four states. Michigan state health department has reported more than 4,300 cases of cyclospora during the outbreak investigation. Michigan said it has interviewed more than 1,000 people as part of its investigation and had previously noted that lettuce or salad greens may be a potential source for the outbreak.

“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 state health department said that it “cannot say with certainty that every illness is linked to the same source of exposure” but that the concentrated, sharp increase in cases “strongly suggests that the vast majority of these illnesses are associated with the same outbreak.” This would make it the largest cyclospora outbreak in the US on record. The company issued a statement Thursday confirming their response to the situation. “The affected ingredient from our supplier is being indefinitely removed from our supply chain nationwide and will be replaced within 24 hours in select states.” Taylor Farms did not respond to CNN’s request for comment Thursday regarding the current situation.

Cyclosporiasis is not usually spread directly from person to person. Instead, people can become infected by consuming contaminated food or water. Previous outbreaks have been linked to fresh produce, the CDC says. People with cyclosporiasis may have symptoms that include watery diarrhea, cramping and bloating for weeks. Federal health officials said there are multiple investigations underway, some tied to the large outbreak in the Midwest, some involving single states and some involving cases not yet tied to any cluster. Taylor Farms supplies grocery stores and restaurants across the country, although it’s unclear exactly how many of its products and which locations may be affected.

Taylor Farms produce has also been linked with previous illness outbreaks, including E. coli cases tied to slivered onions in 2024 and cyclospora cases linked with lettuce in 2013. Consumers who have recently dined at Taco Bell locations in the affected states should monitor for symptoms. The company’s proactive approach to removing the potentially contaminated iceberg lettuce sold at Taco Bell locations demonstrates their commitment to customer safety during this outbreak investigation.

Public health officials continue to urge anyone experiencing symptoms to seek medical attention and report their illness. The investigation remains ongoing as officials work to determine the full scope of the contamination and ensure all potentially affected products have been removed from circulation.