Taco Bell removes lettuce from menu in US after links to explosive diarrhoea

July 17, 2026

Taco Bell is pulling lettuce from its menu in several US states after health officials linked shredded iceberg lettuce from Mexico to a cyclosporiasis outbreak affecting over 1,600 people. The parasitic infection, which causes severe gastrointestinal symptoms including prolonged watery diarrhea and rapid weight loss, has resulted in 94 hospitalizations across five states, with Michigan reporting the highest number of cases at over 3,300. The fast-food chain made the decision voluntarily after consulting with health authorities, though no official advisory has been issued.

Who is affected

1,645 people infected with cyclosporiasis across five states (Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia)
94 people hospitalized due to the infection
Over 3,300 cases detected in Michigan specifically
Taco Bell customers in the affected states
Taco Bell restaurant chain
One unnamed Taco Bell lettuce supplier (reportedly Taylor Farms, according to US media)

What action is being taken

Taco Bell is removing lettuce from its menu in affected states
The CDC is investigating the outbreak
The FDA has issued a warning advising people not to eat food items with shredded iceberg lettuce from Mexico served at Taco Bell locations in the five affected states
Health officials are conducting discussions with Taco Bell

Why it matters

This outbreak matters because it represents a significant public health crisis affecting thousands of people across multiple states, with nearly 100 hospitalizations demonstrating the severity of the infections. The difficulty in tracing the cyclospora parasite, described as detecting "a microscopic portion of a needle in a haystack," highlights vulnerabilities in food safety monitoring systems. The situation is particularly concerning given that experts note cuts to federal health agencies may be complicating investigative efforts, potentially impacting the ability to prevent future outbreaks and protect public health.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC