A nationwide cyclosporiasis outbreak is expanding rapidly — and some Taco Bell locations are now removing fresh produce from their menus as a precautionary measure.
As of July 9, nearly 2,921 confirmed cyclosporiasis cases have been reported across 18 states, with Michigan bearing the heaviest burden at 1,251 cases. Taco Bell locations in Michigan and other affected states have posted signs informing customers that they are temporarily unable to serve lettuce, cilantro, onion, pico de gallo, and guacamole due to what the signs describe as a “nationwide recall.” However, neither the FDA nor the USDA has issued a public recall of those specific ingredients — the removal appears to be a precautionary action from Taco Bell’s produce supplier or suppliers. There is no confirmed link between Taco Bell and the outbreak.
What Is Cyclosporiasis?
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. It spreads through contaminated food or water — particularly fresh produce with crenelated or wrinkled surfaces where the parasite can hide, including cilantro, lettuce, raspberries, basil, snow peas, and onions. Rinsing produce does not reliably remove Cyclospora; the only way to destroy it is through cooking. Freezing does not kill the parasite.
Symptoms typically appear about one week after exposure and include watery diarrhea, cramping, bloating, nausea, fatigue, and loss of appetite. Most healthy adults recover within a few weeks, but the illness can last significantly longer without antibiotic treatment. Those most at risk for severe complications include young children, older adults, and anyone with a weakened immune system.
If you suspect you’ve been infected, contact your healthcare provider. A standard stool test does not screen for Cyclospora — a special test must be ordered specifically.
How Big Is the Outbreak?
As of July 9, confirmed case counts include Michigan at 1,251, Ohio at 618, New York at 394, Illinois at 161, North Carolina at 145, Colorado at 90, Florida at 50, Texas at 48, Wisconsin at 35, Pennsylvania at 28, Connecticut at 23, Louisiana at 23, Massachusetts at 18, Virginia at 10, Georgia at 10, New Jersey at 10, and Tennessee at 7. Public health experts note that confirmed case numbers represent only a fraction of actual infections — the multiplier used for Cyclospora outbreaks suggests the true number of people affected may be significantly higher.
The CDC is actively investigating. No specific food source or supplier has been identified as of today.
What Taco Bell Is Doing
Signs posted at Taco Bell drive-thrus, primarily in Michigan, read: “We are currently unable to sell Lettuce, Cilantro, Onion, Pico de Gallo, and Guacamole due to a nationwide recall. We apologize for the inconvenience. Any items ordered that normally come with these items will not contain them.”
Taco Bell has not confirmed whether this action is company-wide or limited to specific markets. A Reddit user claiming to be a store manager stated there had been no company-wide communications about the issue. The ingredient removal affects a wide range of menu items — including the Burrito Supreme, the Nachos BellGrande, the Taco Salad, and anything normally served with pico de gallo, guacamole, or shredded lettuce.
Importantly, no cases of cyclosporiasis have been confirmed as linked to Taco Bell. The precautionary ingredient pull reflects supplier-level caution during an active investigation, not a confirmed restaurant-linked outbreak.
How to Protect Yourself
With no source yet identified, health officials recommend the following precautions:
- Avoid raw fresh produce with wrinkled surfaces — cilantro, lettuce, raspberries, avocados, onions, broccoli, cauliflower — unless cooked
- Choose leafy greens that are typically cooked, such as spinach, collard greens, or chard, over raw salad varieties
- Use dried herbs instead of fresh cilantro, basil, or parsley where possible
- Wash hands thoroughly before handling any food
The Bottom Line
A fast-moving cyclosporiasis outbreak has sickened nearly 3,000 confirmed people across 18 states. No food source has been identified. Taco Bell is pulling fresh produce at select locations as a precautionary measure, but there is no confirmed link between Taco Bell and the outbreak. If you are experiencing symptoms of cyclosporiasis, contact your healthcare provider and request specific Cyclospora testing. Monitor the CDC and FDA websites for updates as the investigation continues.
