The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) identified shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell locations as the source of an ongoing cyclosporiasis outbreak affecting multiple states since May 1, 2026 [1, 2]. The outbreak has sickened thousands, primarily in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, and West Virginia [1, 2, 3]. Michigan, the epicenter, reported over 4,300 confirmed cases as of mid-July [2, 3].

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed 1,644 cases linked specifically to Taco Bell exposure, with hospitalizations ranging from 94 to 141, though no deaths have been reported [2, 3]. Symptoms of Cyclospora infection include severe diarrhea and can appear up to two weeks after consuming contaminated food [1, 4].

Taco Bell, owned by Yum Brands, announced the removal of shredded iceberg lettuce from affected locations and plans to suspend its use nationwide indefinitely, stating that the ingredient is being replaced within 24 hours in select states [1, 2]. The lettuce supplier under investigation is believed to be Taylor Farms, a California-based company supplying shredded iceberg lettuce to Taco Bell [1, 2]. The FDA and CDC are actively testing products and working with suppliers to determine if contaminated lettuce remains on the market [2].

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the administration is closely monitoring the situation and providing necessary resources to the CDC and FDA. She stated, "The Trump administration has a 'handle' on the situation" and stressed efforts to trace the outbreak to its original source are underway [1, 3, 4].

Michigan Chief Medical Executive Natasha Bagdasarian noted that while a definitive product has not yet been confirmed, preliminary findings point to "lettuce or salad greens" as the cause of the outbreak [3]. The CDC is also investigating multiple Cyclospora clusters beyond Taco Bell-linked cases across several states [3, 4].

The outbreak is unusually large and widespread compared to past US cyclosporiasis incidents [2, 3]. Authorities continue to monitor new cases closely. Taco Bell’s nationwide removal of the suspect lettuce is ongoing, with replacement of the ingredient in progress at select locations as of mid-July 2026 [1, 2].