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NewsNBC Chicago – LocalJuly 17, 2026United States

Federal Health Warning: Lettuce at Taco Bell Linked to Parasite Outbreak

Federal health officials have identified shredded iceberg lettuce from a specific supplier as a source of a widespread cyclosporiasis outbreak affecting Taco Bell locations in five states. Consumers in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia are advised to avoid this ingredient, while the FDA continues to investigate potential contamination in other supply chains.

public healthfood safetydisease outbreakTaco BellFDACDC
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Why It Matters

Residents in five states are advised to avoid shredded iceberg lettuce at Taco Bell to prevent infection from a parasite that causes severe, watery diarrhea.

Key Facts

  • Federal officials identified shredded iceberg lettuce from a single supplier as a source of a cyclosporiasis outbreak.
  • The warning applies to Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia.
  • Cyclosporiasis is a parasitic infection characterized by frequent, watery, and sometimes explosive diarrhea.
  • Taco Bell has committed to stop using lettuce from the supplier identified by the FDA.
  • Michigan has reported over 5,000 cases of the infection, the highest number of any state.
  • Total U.S. infections this year have surpassed the 2019 record of approximately 4,700 cases.
  • Infections have been reported in more than 30 states.
  • Routine stool tests often fail to detect the parasite; patients are urged to specifically request testing for cyclospora.
  • Treatment for confirmed cases involves antibiotics, rest, and fluid intake.
  • The FDA is investigating whether contaminated lettuce remains on the market in other states or through other retailers.

Who's Mentioned

other30“Number of states reporting infections this year.”organizationFood and Drug Administration“Federal agency conducting the traceback investigation of the lettuce supplier.”organizationTaylor Farms“Identified by sources as the lettuce supplier under investigation.”organizationCenters for Disease Control and Prevention“Federal agency investigating the outbreak and issuing consumer warnings.”personGwen Biggerstaff“Deputy director of the CDC’s Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmenta”organizationTaco Bell“Restaurant chain identified as serving the contaminated lettuce.”