FDA Links Diarrhea Parasite Outbreak To Lettuce From Taco Bell

UPDATE — FDA released an update regarding the sample of lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms de Mexico which was reported positive on July 18, 2026. Due to the complexity in detection of Cyclospora, FDA laboratory experts re-reviewed the sample results and have concluded that the finding does not represent true amplification and should be considered a false positive.

FDA has notified Taylor Farms and continues working with the firm to ensure product implicated in this outbreak has been removed from the market. FDA and state partners continue to collect and analyze product samples. As of July 19, 2026, there are no confirmed positive sample results for product testing for Cyclospora.

WASHINGTON — The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced in a press release that they’re investigating the outbreak of cyclospora illnesses linked to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia.

The FDA reports that 1,644 people have been infected with cyclosporiasis during this outbreak, and people with confirmed illness have reported exposure to Taco Bell in all five states. Illnesses started on dates ranging from May 13, 2026, to July 13, 2026. There have been 94 hospitalizations and no reported deaths so far.

The suspected lettuce products come from Mexico and are used at Taco Bell locations in the five states listed and possibly beyond. According to the FDA’s release, Taco Bell has committed to immediately stop using any lettuce from suppliers identified in the investigation.

At least 32 cases of cyclosporiasis have been reported in Maryland, although the actual number is likely to be higher. It’s unclear whether the Maryland cases could be related to these particular supplies or lettuce.

As for other states experiencing cyclosporiasis illness, the FDA wrote, “FDA is aware that the case counts in this advisory may not match what is being reported by individual states. State data may include both probable and confirmed cases, while CDC and FDA include confirmed cases only. State case counts may also include initial case reports that have not yet been reported to CDC. As cases are confirmed, these numbers will continue to update.”

Symptoms of cyclosporiasis generally appear one to 14 days after consuming contaminated food or water and can last for weeks if left untreated. Symptoms include profuse, watery and sometimes explosive diarrhea, severe abdominal cramping and bloating, extreme fatigue and loss of appetite, as well as nausea, vomiting and a low-grade fever.

Maryland residents can stay up to date on the illness by following the Department of Health on social media or online.

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