Taco Bell Removes Taylor Farms Lettuce Amid Nationwide Cyclosporiasis Outbreak

Cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness caused by a parasite transmitted through contaminated food or water, has been reported across 34 U.S. states as of July 13, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Common symptoms include frequent watery diarrhea, fatigue, and loss of appetite. Health officials continue to investigate the source of the outbreak.

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The CDC’s July 13 report indicates that the parasite has affected individuals in a broad geographic range, underscoring the potential for widespread exposure through produce. While most cases are mild, the illness can be severe for immunocompromised persons. Preventive measures emphasized by public-health agencies include thorough hand washing, careful washing of fresh produce, and cooking vegetables, which can destroy the parasite.

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On July 17, Taco Bell announced that it had fully removed all lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms from its restaurants as a precautionary step. The company expressed sympathy for those who have become ill and affirmed its commitment to cooperate with public-health authorities as the investigation proceeds. This removal applies to all locations nationwide and reflects an “abundance of caution” approach.

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Federal and state health departments advise consumers to wash hands before handling food and to rinse fresh produce under running water. Cooking lettuce or other raw vegetables can also inactivate the parasite. No further recalls have been issued beyond Taco Bell’s voluntary removal of the implicated lettuce.

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The incident highlights the challenges of tracing food-borne parasites in a complex supply chain. While the outbreak remains under investigation, the coordinated response—spanning CDC monitoring, corporate action by Taco Bell, and consumer advisories—demonstrates the multi-layered effort required to mitigate food-borne illnesses.

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