Taco Bell lettuce linked to cyclosporiasis, parasitic illness with 300+ NC cases
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- CDC links shredded iceberg lettuce from Mexico at Taco Bell to outbreak in five states.
- FDA traceback identified one, unnamed supplier of Taco Bell's iceberg lettuce.
- More than 1,644 people ate at Taco Bell before illness onset, which can take up to two.
The CDC has identified lettuce served at Taco Bell as the cause of a cyclosporiasis outbreak in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia. The organization is still working with suppliers to see if the contaminated produce was sent to other states.
Cyclosporiasis is a gastrointestinal illness caused by the parasite cyclospora. It can cause prolonged, watery diarrhea and other symptoms. The FDA’s traceback investigation has identified a single supplier of iceberg lettuce used in the fast food restaurant as a culprit, and Taco Bell is “working to stop using this lettuce.”
The Washington Post has identified the lettuce supplier as Taylor Farms, but the CDC and FDA have only publicized that “consumers should avoid eating shredded iceberg lettuce from Mexico at Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia.” More than 1,644 people in those states reported eating at Taco Bell before the onset of illness, which can be up to two weeks.
“CDC is also investigating other outbreaks and illnesses of cyclosporiasis nationally that are unrelated to this outbreak,” the CDC wrote on its website.
The Charlotte Observer is awaiting comment from the NC Department of Health and Human Services regarding the possible link. The Observer is also awaiting comment from Taco Bell.
North Carolina cases
There are at least 307 cases in North Carolina as of July 14, according to the NC Department of Health and Human Services. Thirteen have been hospitalized, and 81-160 of the cases were contracted in The United States, according to the CDC.
Wake County cyclosporiasis cases have risen to at least 236 with five people hospitalized as of Thursday, July 16 (up about 28%, from 185 on Tuesday, July 14). Another eight are in Orange County, and 18 have been identified in Durham County.
In the Charlotte area, Mecklenburg and Cabarrus County have reported 20 total cases, the Observer previously reported.
Symptoms
Very young, old and immunocompromised people are at higher risk of a severe infection. Cyclosporiasis may take up to two weeks to cause symptoms, and often lasts longer than food poisoning.
According to the CDC, symptoms include:
- Watery diarrhea (most common)
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Cramping
- Bloating
- Increased gas
- Nausea
- Fatigue
Less common symptoms may include:
- Vomiting
- Body aches
- Headache
- Low-grade fever
Treatment
Cyclosporiasis can be treated with a combination antibiotic, Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Most people recover without treatment.
Cooking or cleaning produce carefully can lower the risk of infection. Wash produce with clean water and dry it thoroughly.
Portions of this story were previously published in The Charlotte Observer.
This story was originally published July 17, 2026 at 9:25 AM with the headline "Taco Bell lettuce linked to cyclosporiasis, parasitic illness with 300+ NC cases."
