Taco Bell Pulls Taylor Farms Lettuce Amid Widespread Cyclospora Outbreak

LOS ANGELES — Taco Bell has pulled Taylor Farms lettuce from its nationwide supply chain amid a fast-moving Cyclospora outbreak linked to the fast-food chain’s restaurants across multiple states. Federal health officials confirmed the contaminated produce as the source of the widespread illness, prompting immediate action from both the restaurant chain and the supplier to protect public health.

In a public statement, Taco Bell emphasized its commitment to customer safety: “We take your health and safety seriously and have removed all affected Taylor Farms lettuce from Taco Bell stores. So go ahead and enjoy your Taco Bell today. You always got us. We always got you. See you in the drive-thru.” The company further clarified that the affected ingredient is being indefinitely removed from its supply chain nationwide and will be replaced within 24 hours in select states.

Taylor Farms responded to the developing situation by announcing it would remove all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico from the U.S. market. This decisive action follows warnings from the CDC late Thursday, which advised consumers not to eat shredded lettuce from Taco Bell restaurants across five Midwestern states where the contaminated lettuce had reportedly been served.

The scope of the Cyclospora outbreak is rapidly expanding. According to recent reports, federal health officials are investigating more than 16,000 illnesses across five states. Concurrently, CDC data indicates 1,645 confirmed Cyclosporiasis cases across 34 states as of July 15, though local and state health data show at least 6,756 cases documented in 38 states. The CDC cautions that actual case numbers are likely much higher than currently reported.

Cyclosporiasis is caused by a parasite that typically spreads through fresh produce during hot weather and does not transmit from person to person. While the illness is not usually life-threatening and is typically treated with antibiotics, it causes highly uncomfortable conditions. Symptoms include watery diarrhea, fatigue, stomach cramps, and loss of appetite. Health officials note that symptoms can last for weeks without treatment and characteristically “come and go,” allowing patients to experience brief recovery periods before the illness returns.

The White House weighed in on the matter on Thursday, with the Trump administration stating it is closely monitoring the outbreak and has a handle on the situation. “We’re committed to providing the CDC and the FDA the resources that they need, and we urge all Americans to follow CDC guidance,” a White House representative stated.

In the interim, health officials are urging the public to take extra precautions. Recommendations include thoroughly washing produce, peeling away outer layers, cutting away any bruised areas, and ensuring hands and food preparation table surfaces are properly washed.

As the investigation continues, legal action has already begun. On Thursday, an Ohio man filed a federal lawsuit against a Taco Bell franchisee, alleging that a meal consumed at the location caused him to fall ill.