West Virginia confirms cyclosporiasis cases linked to Taco Bell lettuce
West Virginia confirms cyclosporiasis cases tied to contaminated Taco Bell lettuce from Taylor Farms.
Event / Health
US Cyclosporiasis Outbreak
Multi-state cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to contaminated lettuce from Taylor Farms supplied to Taco Bell and other retailers, affecting thousands across 34 states
6 reported locations
Daily activity
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2026-08-15 to 2026-11-12 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 16 Jul, 02:00 UTC
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What happened
Cyclosporiasis outbreak first reported in May 2026
The cyclosporiasis outbreak, which was first reported in May 2026, spread across 34 states before the source was identified in July. The outbreak is caused by the Cyclospora cayetanensis parasite and typically leads to prolonged watery diarrhea and gastrointestinal symptoms.
Taco Bell removes potentially contaminated lettuce from select states
Taco Bell stated it had taken immediate action to voluntarily remove potentially impacted lettuce from Taylor Farms supplier in select states (Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia) following conversations with public health officials. The chain encouraged all relevant restaurants, retailers, and food service operators to take similar precautionary action.
Taylor Farms voluntarily recalls all iceberg lettuce from central Mexico
Taylor Farms announced a voluntary recall of all iceberg lettuce sourced from a region in central Mexico for the U.S. market. The company removed all iceberg lettuce from the region indefinitely, even though the FDA traceback identified a specific independent farm representing less than 1% of U.S. iceberg lettuce supply as the potential outbreak source.
Cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to lettuce at Taco Bell locations
The CDC identified shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell restaurants in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia as a source of a multistate cyclosporiasis outbreak. The lettuce was supplied by Taylor Farms and sourced from central Mexico.
Cyclosporiasis outbreak affects 1,644 confirmed cases across United States
The CDC confirmed 1,644 cases of cyclosporiasis nationwide with 94 hospitalizations and no reported deaths. State health departments reported over 5,100 additional suspected cases, with estimates suggesting nearly 7,000 people may have been infected. Michigan reported the largest impact with 5,002 confirmed cases and 102 hospitalizations as of July 17, 2026.
Taylor Farms previously linked to E. coli outbreak in 2024
Taylor Farms was previously linked to a food safety issue in October 2024 when the company voluntarily recalled raw onions linked to McDonald's Quarter Pounder sandwiches and an E. coli outbreak. The 2024 outbreak resulted in 104 confirmed illnesses, 34 hospitalizations, and 1 death across 14 states before ending in December 2024.
Taco Bell sales growth slows amid cyclosporiasis outbreak concerns
Year-over-year sales growth at Taco Bell was 4.2% in the week ending July 11, 2026, the slowest rate since April 2026. Consumer Edge data suggested concerns about the outbreak could be contributing to the slower growth, though the chain still showed positive year-over-year sales growth.
CDC identifies contaminated lettuce from Taylor Farms as source of cyclosporiasis outbreak
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identified iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell as the cause of a cyclosporiasis outbreak affecting Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia. The FDA traceback investigation identified a single supplier of iceberg lettuce as the source. Taylor Farms, the lettuce supplier, voluntarily removed all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico from the U.S. market.
Cyclosporiasis outbreak expands to 34 U.S. states
The CDC identified domestic cyclosporiasis cases across 34 states. The CDC is investigating other outbreaks and illnesses of cyclosporiasis nationally that are unrelated to the Taco Bell outbreak.
1,645 confirmed cyclosporiasis cases linked to Taco Bell lettuce across five states
The CDC documented 1,645 confirmed domestic cases of cyclosporiasis since May 1, with more than 1,644 people in the affected states reporting eating at Taco Bell before illness onset. Michigan was hit hardest with 5,002 cases reported by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services as of July 16. The CDC is investigating at least 5,100 additional suspected cases.
FDA conducting traceback investigation on multiple produce items
The FDA is continuing its traceback investigation on multiple produce items connected to cyclosporiasis cases, including analysis of locations where infected individuals reported eating before becoming sick. State and local health department investigators are collecting information on where, when, and what infected individuals consumed.
CDC identifies likely cluster of cyclosporiasis cases in four states
Testing and other evidence indicate a cluster of cyclosporiasis cases in Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky are likely linked. However, the CDC has not publicly identified a common supplier, distributor, or business as the source of the outbreak.
Michigan reports over 2,600 cyclosporiasis cases, highest state impact
Michigan has been hit particularly hard by the cyclosporiasis outbreak with more than 2,600 confirmed cases as of July 13, 2026, according to the state's Department of Health and Human Services. State health officials identified lettuce or salad greens as potential sources but said other food items could not be ruled out.
Cyclosporiasis outbreak confirmed in 1,645 cases across 34 US states
As of July 13, 2026, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed 1,645 cases of cyclosporiasis caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis across 34 states, with more than 5,100 additional cases under investigation. The parasitic infection causes watery or explosive diarrhea, cramping, nausea, and fatigue.
Taco Bell voluntarily removes ingredients at select locations amid outbreak
Taco Bell voluntarily and temporarily removed limited ingredients at select restaurants as a precautionary measure in response to the cyclosporiasis outbreak. The Detroit Free Press reported several metro Detroit locations stopped selling lettuce and cilantro. The chain stated that public health officials have not confirmed a link to Taco Bell or any specific ingredient, supplier, restaurant, or retailer.
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2 alternative perspectives
Taco Bell cuts sales growth as cyclosporiasis outbreak impacts operations
Taco Bell reports slower sales growth and removes contaminated lettuce amid cyclosporiasis outbreak.
Taylor Farms expands recall as cyclosporiasis cases surpass 1,600
Taylor Farms expands iceberg lettuce recall from central Mexico as outbreak cases exceed 1,600.
CDC pinpoints Taylor Farms lettuce as outbreak source across 34 states
CDC confirms Taylor Farms lettuce contamination caused cyclosporiasis outbreak affecting 1,645 cases across 34 states.
FDA traces outbreak source as Taco Bell removes ingredients nationwide
FDA traces produce contamination while Taco Bell removes ingredients at affected locations.
Cyclosporiasis outbreak spreads across 34 US states with Michigan hit hardest
Cyclosporiasis outbreak spans 34 states with 1,645 confirmed cases; Michigan reports over 2,600.