NewsABC Action News (WFTS) — NewsJuly 30, 2026Hillsborough
Taco Bell reports sales dip following lettuce removal due to cyclospora outbreak
Taco Bell experienced a 2% decline in quarterly sales after temporarily removing lettuce from its menu in response to a widespread cyclospora outbreak. The company reports that sales are returning to normal levels following promotional efforts and public communication regarding the source of the contamination.
Read the full story at ABC Action News (WFTS) — NewsWhy It Matters
The company's sales and menu offerings were directly impacted by a foodborne illness outbreak that has affected over 10,000 people in Michigan this summer.
Key Facts
- Taco Bell sales are down approximately 2% for the current quarter.
- The sharpest decline in sales occurred around the weekend of July 18.
- Taco Bell removed lettuce from its menu earlier this month due to a cyclospora outbreak.
- The CDC initially linked contaminated lettuce to Taylor Farms but later retracted the link as a false positive.
- The exact cause of the cyclospora outbreak remains undetermined by the CDC.
- Michigan health officials reported over 10,000 cases of cyclosporiasis this summer.
- Taco Bell launched $1 promotional deals on items without lettuce, such as the Mexican Pizza, to encourage foot traffic.
- Cyclosporiasis is a foodborne illness caused by a parasite that can cause diarrhea lasting for weeks or months.
Who's Mentioned
organizationCenters for Disease Control and Prevention“Federal agency investigating the outbreak”other10,000“Number of reported cases in Michigan”organizationTaco Bell“Fast food chain affected by the outbreak”organizationTaylor Farms“Produce supplier initially linked to the outbreak”personOmer Awan“Medical expert”personChris Turner“CEO of Yum Brands”organizationYum Brands“Parent company of Taco Bell”