The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has connected a multistate outbreak of cyclosporiasis to shredded iceberg lettuce supplied to Taco Bell restaurants. According to two federal officials familiar with the investigation, the lettuce was supplied by Taylor Farms and served at selected Taco Bell locations in five states.
Although the CDC has not publicly identified Taylor Farms in its official investigation, federal officials said the company supplied the lettuce involved in the outbreak.
States Affected
The CDC reported that the potentially contaminated shredded iceberg lettuce was distributed to Taco Bell restaurants in:
- Indiana
- Kentucky
- Michigan
- Ohio
- West Virginia
Health officials have advised customers not to eat shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell locations in these states while the investigation continues.
CDC Investigation
The outbreak involves cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. People infected with the parasite may experience symptoms such as:
- Severe diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Stomach cramps
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
Symptoms typically appear about one week after consuming contaminated food and can last for several weeks if left untreated.
Number of Reported Cases
According to the CDC:
- More than 1,644 people reported eating at Taco Bell before becoming ill.
- 94 people were hospitalized after developing the parasitic infection.
Health officials continue to investigate whether all reported illnesses are directly connected to the contaminated lettuce.
FDA Findings
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said the shredded iceberg lettuce was grown by a single supplier in Mexico. As a precaution, the agency has increased inspections and border screening for lettuce imported from that supplier.
The FDA also noted that the investigation remains ongoing and that other restaurants or retailers could potentially be affected if they received lettuce from the same source.
Was Every Taco Bell Restaurant Affected?
No. Officials emphasized that not every Taco Bell location in the five affected states received the contaminated lettuce. Customers who did not visit locations supplied with the affected product are unlikely to have been exposed.
Taylor Farms Responds
At the time of reporting, Taylor Farms had not issued a public statement. Requests for comment were not immediately answered.
The CDC has also not officially named Taylor Farms in its public investigation, even though federal officials have linked the supplier to the affected lettuce.
What Should Customers Do?
Anyone who recently ate shredded iceberg lettuce at a Taco Bell restaurant in the affected states and develops symptoms of cyclosporiasis should contact a healthcare provider. Early diagnosis and treatment can help reduce the severity and duration of the illness.
Consumers should also follow updates from the CDC and FDA as officials continue tracing the source of the outbreak and determining whether additional restaurants or retailers received lettuce from the same supplier.
Conclusion
The CDC and FDA continue to investigate the cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to shredded iceberg lettuce served at selected Taco Bell restaurants. While federal officials have identified Taylor Farms as the supplier involved, the investigation is still ongoing, and health authorities are working to determine whether additional businesses received the same lettuce. Customers in the affected states should remain alert for symptoms and monitor official public health updates.