Cyclospora Outbreak in Midwest Linked to Taco Bell Lettuce: Cases Surge in Michigan
A multistate outbreak of cyclosporiasis has been linked to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell restaurants in five states, with Michigan reporting the highest number of cases. Federal health officials have identified Taylor Farms, a supplier based in Mexico, as the source of the contaminated lettuce.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, at least 1,644 people have been infected with Cyclospora cayetanensis since May 13, 2026. Ninety-four individuals have required hospitalization, but no deaths have been reported. The outbreak spans Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia, with illness onset dates ranging from mid-May to mid-July.
Alert
"Do not eat shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia" says CDC.
The CDC Food Safety Alert Important instructions are: "Do not eat shredded iceberg lettuce from Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia." Additionally, the CDC is investigating other illnesses of cyclosporiasis outbreaks nationally - unrelated to this outbreak."
The Food and Drug Administration is conducting a traceback investigation to determine whether contaminated lettuce from Taylor Farms was distributed to other vendors or retailers beyond Taco Bell. In response, Taco Bell has stopped using lettuce from the implicated supplier while the investigation continues.
Legal action has already begun, with lawsuits filed against both Taco Bell and Taylor Farms. Michigan, in particular, has seen a surge in cases, prompting experts to suggest this could be the largest Cyclospora outbreak in U.S. history.
Cyclospora cayetanensis is a microscopic parasite that causes intestinal illness. Symptoms typically appear about a week after exposure and include watery diarrhea, fatigue, loss of appetite, stomach cramps, bloating, and nausea. The illness can last for weeks if untreated, but most people recover fully with appropriate antibiotic therapy.
The CDC advises consumers in the affected states not to eat shredded iceberg lettuce from Taco Bell locations. Anyone who has eaten at these restaurants and develops symptoms should contact a healthcare provider and request specific testing for Cyclospora, as it is not always included in routine stool tests. Healthcare providers are urged to report confirmed cases to public health authorities.
Cyclosporiasis outbreaks in the United States have previously been linked to imported fresh produce, including raspberries, cilantro, basil, and salad mixes. The current outbreak underscores the importance of food safety and the need for ongoing vigilance during the peak season for fresh produce.
For the latest updates on this outbreak, visit the CDC’s official outbreak page. Additional public safety alerts and news can be found at GovOneStop.com/news and GovOneStop.com/my-portal.
Key Facts
| Data Point | Value |
|---|---|
| Total cases | 1,644 |
| Hospitalizations | 94 |
| Deaths | 0 |
| States affected | Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia |
| Illness onset range | May 13, 2026 – July 13, 2026 |
| Implicated food | Shredded iceberg lettuce at Taco Bell |
| Supplier | Taylor Farms (Mexico) |
| CDC consumer advice | Avoid lettuce at Taco Bell in affected states |
| CDC provider advice | Test for Cyclospora if symptoms/exposure |
Background: Cyclospora and Cyclosporiasis
Cyclospora cayetanensis is a parasite that causes cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness spread through consumption of contaminated food or water. It is not transmitted directly from person to person. Symptoms include watery "explosive" diarrhea, fatigue, loss of appetite, abdominal cramps, and nausea. The recommended treatment is the antibiotic trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Prevention includes thorough washing of produce and proper food handling, though cooking is the only reliable way to kill the parasite.
Notable past U.S. outbreaks have been linked to imported raspberries, cilantro, basil, and salad mixes. The current outbreak is among the largest on record and highlights the ongoing risk associated with fresh produce.
Stay Informed
For the latest updates, visit GovOneStop.com/news.
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