Taco Bell locations in the Metro Detroit area have temporarily stopped serving lettuce, guacamole, pico de gallo, and cilantro onion. The fast-food chain posted signs at affected restaurants explaining that these items are unavailable because of a nationwide recall. The notices state that any menu items that typically include these ingredients will be prepared without them. Some customers have shared photographs of the posted notices on social media platforms.
The menu changes coincide with a significant rise in cyclosporiasis cases across the United States. The illness, caused by the Cyclospora parasite, has reportedly sickened nearly 2,000 individuals. Michigan has reported the highest number of cases, with the state health department identifying 992 cases as part of the current surge. This figure is a sharp increase from the typical annual average of 50 cases.
The outbreak has primarily impacted counties in Southeast Michigan, including Monroe, Lenawee, Washtenaw, Wayne, Livingston, Shiawassee, and Jackson. Additional ongoing outbreaks have been identified in New York, Ohio, North Carolina, Illinois, Colorado, Texas, Florida, and Connecticut. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention describes the condition as causing watery diarrhea and frequent, sometimes explosive bowel movements that can persist for a month or longer. Most patients recover without medical treatment.
Health officials suspect the parasite is linked to contaminated raw, fresh produce. Investigators are examining potential sources such as bagged salad mixes, fresh herbs like cilantro and basil, raw berries, and green onions. Because the illness has spiked heavily in Southeast Michigan, authorities are also reviewing shared regional food distributors, local restaurants, and potential agricultural water contamination.
It remains unclear whether any Taco Bell customers have contracted the parasite from the chain. The company did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the situation. The specific source of the nationwide outbreak has not yet been identified.
