The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has identified shredded iceberg lettuce as the source of a cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to Taco Bell restaurants. The contaminated produce was distributed by Taylor Farms to establishments in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia.
Health authorities have issued a public warning advising residents in these states to avoid consuming shredded iceberg lettuce served at any Taco Bell location within the affected regions.
The scale of the illness is significant. According to CDC data, more than 1,644 individuals reported eating at Taco Bell prior to developing symptoms of the parasitic infection. The outbreak has resulted in 94 hospitalizations. The agency has not yet publicly named Taylor Farms in its official investigation reports, though federal officials confirmed the supplier's involvement.
The Food and Drug Administration stated that the lettuce originated from a single supplier in Mexico. In response to the findings, the FDA has increased screening procedures at the border for lettuce produced by this specific company. Officials noted that the investigation is ongoing and it remains unclear whether the affected lettuce was sent to other vendors beyond Taco Bell.
Additionally, not every Taco Bell restaurant in the five identified states received the contaminated product.
