Taco Bell Lettuce Supply Scrutinized in Illnesses

By the Editorial Team · Friday, July 17, 2026

Federal health authorities have traced a cyclosospora outbreak sickening over 1,600 people across five states to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell, supplied by a Mexican producer identified as Taylor Farms. In response, Taco Bell has removed the lettuce from affected locations and halted its use nationwide while public health officials warn consumers and continue investigating cases beyond those linked to the restaurant chain.

Federal health authorities have linked shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell restaurants to a multistate outbreak of cyclosporiasis that has sickened thousands across five states, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported Thursday.

The outbreak, which involves cases in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia, has affected more than 1,600 individuals who reported eating at Taco Bell locations in these states. Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal infection caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, which can lead to severe diarrhea, vomiting, and other gastrointestinal symptoms.

The FDA’s investigation traced the source of the contaminated shredded iceberg lettuce to a single supplier based in Mexico. Although the FDA did not name the company publicly, a person familiar with the probe identified the supplier as Taylor Farms, one of the largest fresh vegetable producers globally. Taylor Farms did not respond to requests for comment.

Following the findings, Taco Bell announced it has voluntarily removed the implicated lettuce from its supply chain in the affected states and is halting the use of this supplier’s lettuce nationwide. The company said it plans to replace the ingredient within 24 hours in specific states and reaffirmed its commitment to consumer safety, citing ongoing discussions with public health officials.

Public health officials urged consumers not to eat shredded iceberg lettuce from Taco Bell locations in the states linked to the outbreak.

While this outbreak has been linked specifically to Taco Bell lettuce in these five states, the CDC noted that it represents only a portion of the over 30 states currently reporting cyclosporiasis cases nationwide. To date, more than 5,100 potential cases are under investigation, with at least 140 hospitalizations. Authorities have not yet identified the source of infections outside the Taco Bell-associated cases.

Michigan has reported particularly high numbers, with its health department confirming more than 4,000 cases as of Thursday. State officials previously indicated that leafy greens, including lettuce, appeared to be a likely source after reviewing the outbreak data.

Taylor Farms has previously been associated with foodborne illness outbreaks, including a 2024 incident involving E. coli contamination in onions.

The outbreak appears to be affecting Taco Bell’s business performance as well. Consumer Edge, a data analytics firm that tracks credit and debit card transactions, reported that the fast-food chain’s U.S. year-over-year sales growth for the week ending July 11 slowed to 4.2%, the lowest increase recorded since April, amid growing concerns over the foodborne illness reports.

Health officials continue to monitor the situation closely as investigations proceed to prevent further spread of the parasite and to identify additional sources beyond those currently linked to Taco Bell.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.