Taco Bell lettuce linked to outbreak of diarrhea-causing parasite

US investigators have traced a parasite outbreak affecting 1,645 people in five states to shredded iceberg lettuce supplied to Taco Bell restaurants. The CDC identified a single supplier of lettuce from Mexico as the likely source, with distribution to locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia.

Taco Bell said it had removed the lettuce from its restaurants. Taylor Farms later said health officials’ testing pointed to “a specific independent farm” associated with the company. The company said it was “voluntarily removing all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico.”

Authorities are still examining whether contaminated shredded lettuce remains on the market. The CDC warned that other brands, restaurants, retailers or distribution channels could be connected to the cyclospora outbreak.

Cyclospora is a foodborne parasite that commonly causes diarrhea, including “frequent and sometimes explosive bowel movements,” according to the CDC. The illness is rarely life-threatening and is generally treated with antibiotics. Fresh produce, including bagged salad mixes, has caused cyclospora outbreaks in the past.

The outbreak comes as Taco Bell reports strong business results and prepares further European expansion, including planned entries into Germany and Poland by late 2026. Morningstar analyst Ari Felhandler said the outbreak would likely hurt the chain’s near-term same-store sales growth. The article also noted that previous foodborne illness outbreaks have weakened consumer confidence in restaurant chains.

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voluntarily removing all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico.