CDC, FDA Investigate Taco Bell Lettuce Supplier in Multistate Cyclospora Outbreak

Taco Bell and supplier Taylor Farms have been linked to the recent Cyclospora outbreak that’s touched several states across the country.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Food and Drug Administration, and other public health officials are investigating infections linked to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bells in Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, and West Virginia. The CDC also noted that it’s looking into other outbreaks of cyclosporiasis nationally that are unrelated.

More than 1,644 cases and 94 hospitalizations have been officially connected to this particular outbreak.

According to the CDC, Taylor Farms recalled iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico and distributed across 27 states. This lettuce was sold in multiple states to consumers, restaurants, and retailers, including several Walmart locations.

Taco Bell said it completely removed Taylor Farms lettuce from its restaurants.

“Based on ongoing conversations with public health officials, and out of an abundance of caution, Taco Bell worked swiftly to voluntarily remove the product from restaurants and the affected ingredient has been removed from our supply chain nationwide,” the company said in a statement. “We took this action to ensure our guests can enjoy their Taco Bell favorites safely.”

“We believe public health is a shared responsibility among restaurants, their suppliers, and authorities, and we are proud to have consistently acted quickly and proactively to protect our guests,” the brand added. “Taco Bell has taken precautionary action, and we encourage all relevant restaurants, retailers, and foodservice operators to do the same.”

According to state health officials, Cyclospora is a parasite that infects the intestines and causes watery diarrhea, nausea, and stomach cramps. It is contracted by eating or drinking something containing the parasite. It takes up to two weeks for symptoms to develop after exposure.

Taylor Farms’ Colorado Springs facility was also responsible for an E. coli outbreak in 2024 linked to slivered onions at hundreds of McDonald’s restaurants. More than 100 customers were infected across 14 states.