Shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms, sold at some Taco Bell restaurants, has been linked to a multistate outbreak of cyclosporiasis. The intestinal illness, caused by a microscopic parasite, has seen nearly 7,000 cases confirmed or under investigation nationwide since May 1, with confirmed cases more than six times higher than last year and at least 141 hospitalizations.

The outbreak linked to the lettuce is primarily regional, centered in the Midwest. The CDC identified at least 400 cases across four states: Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky. Michigan has reported over 4,300 cases during the outbreak investigation, with lettuce or salad greens previously noted as a potential source.

In response, Taco Bell has voluntarily removed potentially impacted lettuce from a supplier in select states and is indefinitely removing the affected ingredient from its nationwide supply chain, replacing it within 24 hours in affected locations. Cyclosporiasis is typically spread through contaminated food or water, and previous outbreaks have been linked to fresh produce.