Cyclospora outbreak linked to Taco Bell lettuce 

The CDC, FDA, and state health authorities linked the Cyclospora outbreak to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell in five states: Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia. 

CDC said July 16 that it is also investigating other outbreaks and illnesses due to Cyclospora that are unrelated to this outbreak. 

More than 1,644 ill people reported eating at Taco Bell locations in those five states, and 94 have been hospitalized. There are no deaths associated with this outbreak. 

FDA’s traceback investigation identified a single supplier of iceberg lettuce from Mexico to these Taco Bell locations, but it did not name the supplier. 

Media reports identified Taylor Farms as the supplier. As of July 17, 2026, Taylor Farms has not responded to outreach from Blue Book. 

Taco Bell released a statement July 16, saying it is removing the potentially affected lettuce from its supply chain nationwide and will replace it within 24 hours in select states. 

“While no official advisory has been issued, 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,” Taco Bell said. 

FDA said it is working directly with the unnamed supplier to determine if contaminated shredded iceberg lettuce went to other places.

FDA said illnesses started on dates ranging from May 13 to July 13, 2026, and because the investigation remains ongoing, additional implicated brands, restaurants, retailers, or distribution channels may be identified as the investigation continues. 

CDC said earlier this week that it is investigating more than 5,000 cases of cyclosporiasis, and it believes the true number of people infected is much higher, as the illness is often underdiagnosed and underreported.

Taylor Farms is one of the largest fresh produce companies and has been a leader in food safety. The company’s executives serve on many industry leadership boards, including the International Fresh Produce Association, California Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement, and the Center for Produce Safety.