CDC, FDA Investigate Multistate Cyclospora Outbreak Linked to Taco Bell Shredded Lettuce

Federal health officials are investigating a multistate outbreak of Cyclospora infections linked to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell restaurants in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia. The investigation remains ongoing, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and state public health agencies working to identify the full scope of the outbreak.¹

To date, more than 1,644 illnesses have been reported by the CDC, including 94 hospitalizations. No deaths have been reported.¹ It is important to note, these are not the final numbers and that Michigan is reporting far greater numbers than the CDC.

Today, Michigan health officials reported 5,002 confirmed cases and 102 hospitalizations from the cyclosporiasis outbreak.²

According to investigators, people affected in the outbreak reported eating at Taco Bell locations in the 5 impacted states. FDA traceback efforts identified a single supplier of iceberg lettuce from Mexico that supplied the affected restaurants.¹

Taco Bell is working to remove the implicated lettuce from its restaurants, while the FDA continues to investigate whether contaminated shredded iceberg lettuce from the same supplier was distributed to other food service locations.¹

At this time, no recall has been issued, and the investigation remains open.

The CDC is advising consumers not to eat shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell locations in the affected states until further notice. Officials also noted they are investigating other cyclosporiasis outbreaks occurring across the United States that are not related to this Taco Bell-associated outbreak.¹

Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that causes the intestinal illness cyclosporiasis, which can lead to prolonged diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramps, bloating, nausea, fatigue, and low-grade fever. Symptoms typically begin about one week after consuming contaminated food or water, and untreated illness may persist for several weeks or longer.¹

Health officials encourage anyone who develops symptoms of cyclosporiasis after eating at an affected Taco Bell location to contact their healthcare provider and report their illness to their local health department. The investigation is ongoing as officials determine whether additional illnesses or distribution sites are linked to the contaminated lettuce.¹

References

1.Cyclospora Outbreak Linked to Shredded Iceberg Lettuce Served at Taco Bell in 5 States. CDC. July 16, 2026. Accessed July 17, 2026.
https://www.cdc.gov/han/php/notices/han00531.html
2.Infectious Disease Outbreaks. Michigan Health and Human Services. July 17, 2026. Accessed July 17, 2026.
https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/keep-mi-healthy/infectious-diseases/infectious-disease-outbreaks