Taco Bell's Iceberg Lettuce Tied to Cyclospora Infection Cases

WHO:

NBC News - The FDA is investigating iceberg lettuce supplied to Taco Bell by Taylor Farms as a potential source for the cyclosporiasis outbreak in five midwestern states.

CNN - Shredded iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms is linked to the outbreak.

CNN - Taco Bell is involved as the restaurant chain selling the affected lettuce.

NBC News - The FDA is investigating the iceberg lettuce supplied to Taco Bell.

WHAT:

CNN - The CDC has reported that the outbreak linked to the lettuce is considered a regional one, centered in the Midwest.

CNN - The Michigan state health department has reported more than 4,300 cases of cyclospora during the outbreak investigation.

CNN - Taco Bell stated it is removing some ingredients from its menu at some restaurant locations as a precaution.

Fast Company - The CDC reported that the outbreak has now sickened 1,644 individuals in five states as of July 16, with 94 of those individuals requiring hospitalization.

Fast Company - The CDC has published an interactive map showing where the 1,644 people who were sickened lived.

Fast Company - The CDC warned individuals to avoid eating shredded iceberg lettuce at Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia.

Fast Company - The CDC confirmed that FDA traceback methods have identified a single supplier of shredded iceberg lettuce from Mexico used by Taco Bell locations where sick individuals ate before becoming ill.

Fast Company - The CDC stated that not all Taco Bell locations in the affected states received shredded iceberg lettuce from the same supplier.

Fast Company - The CDC reported that the outbreak has now sickened 1,644 individuals in five states as of July 16, with 94 of those individuals requiring hospitalization.

Fast Company - The CDC has warned individuals to avoid eating shredded iceberg lettuce at Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia.

Fast Company - The CDC stated that not all Taco Bell locations in the affected states received shredded iceberg lettuce from the same supplier.

CNN - The CDC has reported that nearly 7,000 cases of cyclosporiasis have been confirmed or are under investigation since May 1.

CNN - Taco Bell stated it is removing some ingredients from its menu at some restaurant locations as a precaution.

NBC News - The FDA is investigating iceberg lettuce supplied to Taco Bell by Taylor Farms as a source in an escalating outbreak of cyclosporiasis.

NBC News - The FDA is investigating iceberg lettuce supplied to Taco Bell by Taylor Farms as a potential source for the cyclosporiasis outbreak in five midwestern states.

Bloomberg Markets - Taco Bell stated it will replace the potentially affected lettuce within 24 hours at restaurants in affected states.

BBC News - Taco Bell is removing lettuce from its menu indefinitely "out of an abundance of caution."

CNN - Taco Bell stated it will replace the potentially affected lettuce within 24 hours at restaurants in affected states.

CNN - The Michigan state health department has reported more than 4,300 cases of cyclospora during the outbreak investigation.

CNN - The CDC has identified at least 400 cases associated with the outbreak across four states.

NBC News - The FDA is investigating iceberg lettuce supplied to Taco Bell by Taylor Farms as a potential source for the cyclosporiasis outbreak in five midwestern states.

CNN - Taco Bell stated that it will replace the potentially affected lettuce within 24 hours at restaurants in affected states.

Bloomberg Markets - Taco Bell will replace the potentially affected lettuce within 24 hours at restaurants in affected states.

CNN - The CDC has reported that the outbreak linked to the lettuce is considered a regional one, centered in the Midwest.

CNN - The Michigan state health department stated that it “cannot say with certainty that every illness is linked to the same source of exposure” but noted that the concentrated increase in cases “strongly suggests that the vast majority of these illnesses are associated with the same outbreak.”

CNN - Taco Bell stated, “We will continue to closely monitor the situation and follow the guidance of public health authorities.”

CNN - The Michigan state health department has interviewed more than 1,000 people as part of its investigation into the outbreak.

CNN - The outbreak is considered to be the largest cyclospora outbreak in the US on record.

CNN - Taco Bell stated, “While authorities continue their broader review, Taco Bell has voluntarily and temporarily removed limited ingredients at select restaurants as a precautionary measure.”

CNN - Nearly 7,000 cases of cyclosporiasis have been confirmed or are under investigation since May 1.

CNN - Confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis are more than six times higher than the same time last year.

CNN - There have been at least 141 hospitalizations linked to the outbreak.

CNN - The CDC has identified at least 400 cases associated with the outbreak across four states.

CNN - Taco Bell has voluntarily and temporarily removed limited ingredients at select restaurants as a precaution.

WHERE:

CNN - The affected Taco Bell locations are in Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky.

NBC News - The outbreak is affecting five midwestern states, specifically Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, Kentucky, and an unspecified fifth state.

CNN - The affected Taco Bell locations are in Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky.

CNN - The outbreak is centered in the Midwest, specifically in Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky.

CNN - The Michigan state health department has reported more than 4,300 cases of cyclospora during the outbreak investigation.

WHEN:

CNN - Previous outbreaks linked to Taylor Farms' produce occurred in 2024 and 2013.

CNN - The outbreak investigation began on May 1.

CNN - Previous outbreaks linked to Taylor Farms' produce occurred in 2024 and 2013.

WHY:

CNN - The outbreak is linked to a parasite-borne illness triggering severe cramps and diarrhea.

Fast Company - The outbreak is linked to a parasite-borne illness triggering severe cramps and diarrhea.

NBC News - The outbreak is linked to a parasite-borne illness triggering severe cramps and diarrhea.

CNN - Federal health officials indicated that 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.

NBC News - The FDA is investigating iceberg lettuce supplied to Taco Bell by Taylor Farms as a source in the outbreak.

CNN - The outbreak is linked to contaminated food or water, specifically fresh produce.

CNN - The Michigan state health department noted that the concentrated increase in cases suggests a common source of exposure.

HOW:

Bloomberg Markets - Taco Bell said it has voluntarily removed potentially affected lettuce from a supplier linked to a multistate Cyclospora outbreak and will replace the ingredient within 24 hours at restaurants in affected states.

Wired - Foot traffic to leafy green chains is falling, with some customers expressing concern about the risks associated with consuming such products.

CNN - Cyclosporiasis is not usually spread directly from person to person; it is contracted through contaminated food or water.

Wired - Foot traffic to leafy green chains is falling due to fears of cyclosporiasis, with some customers expressing concern about the risks associated with consuming such products.

CNN - People with cyclosporiasis may experience symptoms that include watery diarrhea, cramping, and bloating for weeks.

CNN - Cyclosporiasis is not usually spread directly from person to person; it is contracted through contaminated food or water.

(UPDATED July 17, 2026 21:13 UTC)

The FDA is currently investigating iceberg lettuce supplied to Taco Bell by Taylor Farms as a potential source of a cyclosporiasis outbreak affecting five midwestern states. The CDC has classified this outbreak as regional, with Michigan reporting over 4,300 cases of cyclospora, prompting Taco Bell to remove certain ingredients from its menu at select locations in Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky as a precaution. Taco Bell has stated that it will replace the potentially affected lettuce within 24 hours at restaurants in these impacted states.

(UPDATED July 17, 2026 20:20 UTC)

The CDC has reported that a Cyclospora outbreak has sickened 1,644 individuals across five states, with 94 of those requiring hospitalization. They have identified a single supplier of shredded iceberg lettuce from Mexico linked to Taco Bell locations where sick individuals ate, and have warned customers in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia to avoid eating this lettuce. In response, Taco Bell has voluntarily removed the potentially affected lettuce and plans to replace it within 24 hours at restaurants in the impacted states.

(UPDATED July 17, 2026 17:20 UTC)

The CDC has reported that an outbreak has sickened 1,644 individuals across five states, with 94 of those requiring hospitalization. They are warning people to avoid eating shredded iceberg lettuce at Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia, as a single supplier from Mexico has been identified in connection with the illnesses. However, it's important to note that not all Taco Bell locations in the affected states received shredded iceberg lettuce from the same supplier.

(UPDATED July 17, 2026 14:26 UTC)

The CDC has reported nearly 7,000 cases of cyclosporiasis confirmed or under investigation since May 1, prompting Taco Bell to remove certain ingredients from its menu at select locations as a precaution. The FDA is currently investigating iceberg lettuce supplied to Taco Bell by Taylor Farms, which is believed to be linked to this outbreak of the parasite-borne illness that causes severe cramps and diarrhea. As a result, foot traffic to leafy green chains is declining, with many customers voicing concerns about the risks of consuming these products.

(UPDATED July 17, 2026 10:29 UTC)

The FDA is investigating iceberg lettuce supplied to Taco Bell by Taylor Farms as a potential source of a cyclosporiasis outbreak affecting five midwestern states, which is linked to a parasite-borne illness causing severe cramps and diarrhea. In response, Taco Bell announced it will replace the potentially affected lettuce within 24 hours at restaurants in those states and is removing lettuce from its menu indefinitely "out of an abundance of caution." This proactive measure aims to ensure the safety and well-being of its customers during this health concern.

(UPDATED July 17, 2026 06:39 UTC)

Taco Bell has announced it will replace potentially affected lettuce at restaurants in impacted states within 24 hours, following reports from the Michigan state health department of over 4,300 cases of cyclospora during an ongoing outbreak investigation. The CDC has confirmed at least 400 cases linked to this outbreak across four states, as federal health officials continue to conduct multiple investigations, some related to the large outbreak in the Midwest and others involving isolated cases. Cyclosporiasis is typically contracted through contaminated food or water, rather than being spread directly from person to person.

(UPDATED July 17, 2026 03:59 UTC)

The FDA is currently investigating iceberg lettuce supplied to Taco Bell by Taylor Farms as a potential source of a cyclosporiasis outbreak affecting five midwestern states, including Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky. In response, Taco Bell has announced that it will replace the potentially affected lettuce within 24 hours at restaurants in those states. Meanwhile, concerns over the outbreak have led to a decline in foot traffic to leafy green chains, as customers express worries about the risks of consuming these products.

(UPDATED July 17, 2026 02:53 UTC)

Taco Bell is set to replace potentially affected lettuce at its restaurants in impacted states within 24 hours. This action comes as the FDA investigates iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms as a possible source of a recent outbreak. Meanwhile, foot traffic to leafy green chains is declining as customers grow increasingly concerned about the risks associated with consuming these products.

(UPDATED July 17, 2026 01:24 UTC)

The CDC has reported that the outbreak linked to lettuce is primarily a regional issue centered in the Midwest, affecting Taco Bell locations in Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky. While the Michigan state health department cannot confirm that every illness is from the same source, they noted that the rise in cases strongly suggests a connection to this outbreak. Taco Bell has stated they will continue to monitor the situation closely and follow the guidance of public health authorities as multiple investigations are underway.

(UPDATED July 17, 2026 00:19 UTC)

The Michigan state health department has interviewed over 1,000 individuals as part of its investigation into what is now considered the largest cyclospora outbreak on record in the U.S. Taco Bell has announced that it is voluntarily and temporarily removing certain ingredients at select restaurants as a precaution while authorities conduct their broader review. Those affected by cyclosporiasis may experience symptoms such as watery diarrhea, cramping, and bloating that can last for weeks.

(UPDATED July 16, 2026 23:16 UTC)

An outbreak of cyclosporiasis linked to shredded iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms has prompted an investigation by the FDA, with Taco Bell identified as the restaurant chain selling the affected lettuce. Since May 1, nearly 7,000 cases have been confirmed or are under investigation, with confirmed cases more than six times higher than the same time last year, and at least 141 hospitalizations reported across four states, primarily in the Midwest. As a precaution, Taco Bell has voluntarily removed limited ingredients from select restaurants while the Michigan state health department has reported over 4,300 cases during the outbreak investigation.