The fast food chain Taco Bell is under investigation by health authorities for its possible link to the cyclosporiasis outbreak reported in at least 34 states in the United States. However, the crisis, which already totals more than 3,300 cases in Michigan — one of the most affected places — points to a broader problem that may be related to contaminated lettuce.
According to The Washington Post, anonymous sources familiar with the case indicated that the investigations respond to reports that some of those affected ate at Taco Bell restaurants, although other cases are not related to this supposed infection source. As a preventive measure, local media reported that some branches of the franchise specializing in Tex-Mex cuisine have stopped serving raw ingredients, such as lettuce, avocado, cilantro, tomato, and onion, to reduce the risk of contagion.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced this Tuesday that a probable epidemiological link has been identified between the cyclosporiasis cases reported in Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky, which so far represents the strongest evidence that many of the patients became ill from the same source of contamination. Authorities also warned that the number of confirmed infections could continue to rise until the end of August, while investigations continue to trace the origin of the outbreak. “For now, I can say that we continue the investigation to trace the origin in various agricultural products, including lettuce,” said an agency official.
For its part, Taco Bell Corp. assured that it will continue monitoring the situation and following the recommendations of the authorities. “The health and safety of our customers is our top priority. Health authorities have not confirmed any connection with Taco Bell or any specific ingredient, supplier, restaurant, or retailer. While authorities continue their broader investigation, Taco Bell has voluntarily and temporarily removed some ingredients in certain restaurants as a precautionary measure,” it said in a statement to The Post.
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Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal infection caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, which is contracted by consuming contaminated water or food. Its main symptoms include watery diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, fatigue, and loss of appetite, although its severity depends on each patient. Pregnant women, newborns, and people with weakened immune systems are the most vulnerable groups to infection. Health authorities have recommended that people with these symptoms see a healthcare professional to undergo the appropriate tests and receive treatment, which generally consists of antibiotics. Additionally, the public has been urged to follow safe food handling practices, such as washing hands and disinfecting raw fruits and vegetables before consuming, cutting, or cooking them.
Although cyclosporiasis cases usually increase during the summer, the magnitude of this outbreak has raised concern among specialists. Since 2025, the CDC, operating under cuts and measures from Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., reduced the FoodNet program surveillance to only two pathogens: Salmonella and Escherichia coli. Until then, the system also monitored six other pathogens, including Cyclospora cayetanensis, as well as Campylobacter, Listeria, Shigella, Vibrio, and Yersinia.