Cyclospora Outbreak Latest News: A rapidly growing foodborne illness outbreak has put US health officials on high alert after investigators linked shredded iceberg lettuce supplied to some Taco Bell restaurants to a multistate surge in cyclosporiasis cases. The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is investigating thousands of infections reported since May, while Taco Bell has removed certain fresh ingredients from selected restaurants as a precaution. Officials continue to trace the source as cases rise across multiple states.
Cyclospora Outbreak Latest News: CDC Investigates Taco Bell Lettuce Outbreak
Federal and state health agencies are investigating a regional outbreak of cyclospora infections that appears to be connected to shredded iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms to some Taco Bell locations. Investigators have identified a cluster of illnesses in Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky and West Virginia, where affected Taco Bell restaurants are located.
Officials stress that the investigation is ongoing and have not issued a nationwide recall or confirmed that every illness is linked to the same source.
Cyclospora Outbreak Latest News: Cyclospora Cases Continue to Rise Across the US
According to the CDC, nearly 7,000 confirmed and suspected cases of cyclospora have been reported or are under investigation since May 1. Confirmed infections are more than six times higher than in the same period last year, and at least 141 people have been hospitalised.
Michigan remains the hardest-hit state, with more than 4,300 reported cases during the investigation. State officials say the sharp increase strongly suggests that most illnesses are connected to the same outbreak, although investigators continue to examine multiple possible sources.
Cyclospora Outbreak Latest News: What is Cyclospora?
Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that causes cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness usually spread through contaminated food or water rather than person-to-person contact.
Common symptoms include:
- Watery diarrhea
- Stomach cramps
- Bloating
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
Symptoms may appear several days after exposure and can last for weeks if left untreated. Fresh produce such as lettuce, herbs and vegetables has been linked to previous outbreaks.
Cyclospora Outbreak Latest News: Taco Bell Removes Ingredients as a Precaution
Taco Bell said it has voluntarily removed selected fresh ingredients from certain restaurants while public health officials continue their investigation.
The company said, “While authorities continue their broader review, Taco Bell has voluntarily and temporarily removed limited ingredients at select restaurants as a precautionary measure.”
It added, “We will continue to closely monitor the situation and follow the guidance of public health authorities.”
Health officials have not advised consumers to avoid all Taco Bell restaurants nationwide, and the precaution currently applies only to selected locations involved in the investigation.
Cyclospora Outbreak Latest News: Taylor Farms Faces Fresh Scrutiny
Taylor Farms, one of the largest fresh produce suppliers in the United States, distributes vegetables to restaurants, grocery stores and food service companies nationwide.
The company has previously been linked to other food safety investigations, including an E. coli outbreak in 2024 and an earlier cyclospora outbreak involving lettuce in 2013. Authorities are continuing traceback investigations to determine whether products supplied by the company are responsible for the current outbreak.
Cyclospora Outbreak Latest News: What Should Consumers Do?
Health experts advise anyone who develops prolonged diarrhoea or other symptoms after eating fresh produce to seek medical advice promptly.
Consumers should practice proper food safety by washing fresh fruits and vegetables, following public health updates and monitoring announcements from the CDC and FDA as investigators work to identify the exact source of the outbreak.
