Federal health officials have linked a multistate outbreak of cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness caused by the *Cyclospora cayetanensis* parasite, to shredded iceberg lettuce supplied to some Taco Bell locations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) updated their ongoing investigation on Thursday, identifying the contaminated produce as originating from a single supplier in Mexico.
"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." — Taco Bell Statement
Taco Bell announced Thursday that it has taken immediate action, voluntarily removing potentially impacted lettuce from its restaurants in select states. The company stated it acted "out of an abundance of caution" while public health officials continue their investigation. According to the fast-food chain, the affected ingredient has been indefinitely removed from its nationwide supply chain and is being replaced in affected states. Taco Bell emphasized that no official public health advisory had been issued specifically against the company, but it chose to act proactively. Signs posted at some participating restaurants had previously informed customers that several fresh ingredients, including lettuce, cilantro-onion mix, pico de de gallo, and guacamole, were temporarily unavailable due to what the notices described as a "nationwide recall," though federal agencies have not announced a formal food recall.
Traceback efforts by federal officials have connected illnesses in the outbreak to shredded iceberg lettuce provided to Taco Bell restaurants in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia. The CDC has specifically advised consumers not to eat shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell locations in these five states while the investigation is underway. While federal officials did not publicly identify the specific Mexican supplier, The Washington Post, citing sources familiar with the investigation, reported that the supplier is Taylor Farms. A tweet from CBS Evening News corroborated this, stating, "Federal health officials say Taylor Farms is the likely source of the nationwide cyclosporiasis outbreak that has sickened people in at least 34 states. The California supplier provides lettuce to Taco Bell and major retailers including Walmart, Target and Whole Foods."
Cyclosporiasis is an infection of the small intestine caused by the microscopic parasite *Cyclospora cayetanensis*. The parasite spreads through food or water contaminated with human feces. In the United States, infections are frequently associated with imported fresh produce, including leafy greens, herbs, and berries. Symptoms commonly include prolonged watery diarrhea, abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and loss of appetite. Unlike many forms of food poisoning, cyclosporiasis symptoms may improve and then return over several weeks if left untreated, making diagnosis challenging.
The CDC reports that at least 5,880 people in 41 states have been diagnosed with cyclosporiasis this year. However, officials noted that not all reported cases are connected to the Taco Bell-related investigation, as several unrelated Cyclospora outbreaks are also currently under review. Health experts advise anyone experiencing diarrhea lasting more than several days to seek medical evaluation and specifically ask about testing for Cyclospora, as the parasite is not routinely included in standard stool testing. The infection is typically treated with the antibiotic trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, sold under brand names such as Bactrim, Septra, and Cotrim.
Federal health officials have stated that their investigation remains ongoing. They continue to trace the exact source of the contaminated lettuce and are working to determine whether additional illnesses are connected to this specific outbreak. The proactive measures taken by Taco Bell underscore the industry's response to public health concerns, even as federal agencies continue their detailed epidemiological and traceback analyses to ensure food safety across the supply chain.
