The US Food and Drug Administration, in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state and local partners, is investigating a multistate outbreak of cyclosporiasis linked to shredded iceberg lettuce from Mexico served at Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia, according to a US Food and Drug Administration public health advisory issued July 16, 2026.

As of July 16, 1,644 people infected with Cyclospora who reported exposure to Taco Bell had been reported by the five affected states, according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Illness onset dates ranged from May 13 to July 13, 2026. Ninety-four patients were hospitalized, and no deaths were reported. FDA stated that the illnesses included in the investigation represent a subset of Cyclospora illnesses identified nationwide.

Michigan analyzed food exposure information from 190 patients who reported eating at Taco Bell and shared the findings with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Ingredient-level analyses indicated that 90% of interviewed patients reported consuming iceberg lettuce.

FDA's traceback investigation identified a single supplier of iceberg lettuce from Mexico used by Taco Bell locations where patients ate before becoming ill. The agency stated that it is working with the identified supplier to determine whether potentially contaminated shredded iceberg lettuce remains on the market. FDA and state partners have initiated product sampling for testing , and FDA has increased screening at the border for products implicated in the outbreak.

FDA said Taco Bell intends to stop using lettuce sourced from the supplier identified during the traceback investigation. The agency also stated that additional implicated brands, restaurants, retailers, or distribution channels may be identified as the investigation continues. Additional states may be added to the advisory as more information becomes available.

FDA advises consumers not to eat menu items containing shredded iceberg lettuce from Mexico served at Taco Bell locations in the five affected states. Patients with symptoms of cyclosporiasis, particularly those who consumed shredded iceberg lettuce during the previous 2 weeks, are advised to contact a health care provider. According to FDA, cyclosporiasis commonly causes diarrhea and may also present with loss of appetite, weight loss, abdominal pain and cramping, bloating, increased gas, nausea, fatigue, vomiting, body aches, headache, or fever.

Source: US Food and Drug Administration