Additional Coverage:
- Shredded lettuce supplied to Taco Bell identified as a source of cyclospora that causes watery diarrhea (businessinsider.com)
The FDA has identified shredded lettuce served at Taco Bell as a key source in the ongoing cyclosporiasis outbreak affecting multiple states across the U.S.
On Thursday, officials traced 1,644 confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis to shredded iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms to Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia. This lettuce was sourced from a single supplier in Mexico. While this connection is significant, health authorities emphasize that the outbreak extends beyond just Taco Bell’s lettuce.
Since May 1, cyclosporiasis infections have been reported in 34 states. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as of mid-July, there have been 1,645 confirmed cases and 141 hospitalizations, though no deaths. Michigan has been notably impacted, reporting over 4,300 cases, with investigations there pointing toward “lettuce or salad greens” as potential contamination sources.
Taylor Farms, the world’s largest producer of salad greens, supplies many major fast-food chains-including Chipotle and McDonald’s-and grocery retailers like Costco, Walmart, and Trader Joe’s. The company operates 30 processing facilities across North America.
It is not yet clear if the outbreak involves only the chopped lettuce linked to Taco Bell or if other products may also be affected. Taylor Farms has not commented publicly on the matter, and currently, no active recalls are listed on their website.
In response, Taco Bell announced it is voluntarily removing the potentially impacted lettuce from its supply chain in the affected states and will replace it within 24 hours nationwide. The company is working closely with public health officials to ensure safety.
Health experts advise consumers to avoid bagged lettuce and pre-washed salad kits during the outbreak. Instead, they recommend purchasing whole heads of lettuce, peeling away outer leaves, and thoroughly washing produce. Because Cyclospora is difficult to wash off completely, cooking food to at least 158 degrees Fahrenheit is the safest option.
Cyclospora, a parasite that thrives in warm weather, causes symptoms such as watery diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and gas. The illness can last for several weeks if untreated but can be effectively treated with antibiotics like Bactrim. One challenge in addressing cyclosporiasis outbreaks is the parasite’s incubation period of about a week, which complicates identifying the specific food source.
Past outbreaks have linked Cyclospora to a variety of fresh produce, including bagged salads, raspberries, snow peas, and fresh herbs like cilantro. Contamination often originates from water used during growing or processing, which may carry the parasite.
Taylor Farms has faced other food safety issues in recent years, including recalls of yellow onions in 2024 due to E. coli contamination linked to McDonald’s, and prior recalls involving salmonella in onions sold at major retailers. The company also recalled salad kits last year over undisclosed allergens.
As investigations continue, public health officials urge consumers to stay vigilant and follow recommended precautions to reduce the risk of infection.