Taco Bell Removes Lettuce, Guacamole and Other Fresh Items Amid Cyclospora Outbreak

Taco Bell temporarily removed lettuce, pico de gallo, guacamole and a cilantro‑onion blend from its menus as health officials investigate a large cyclosporiasis outbreak. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reported 1,562 confirmed cases and 44 hospitalizations, the highest seasonal surge in the state, with additional cases in Illinois, Virginia, Ohio and New York.

No specific produce supplier or farm has been identified as the source of the Cyclospora parasite. The CDC is monitoring the situation and advises anyone with persistent diarrhea to seek medical care. While the infection can cause severe, watery diarrhea, it is generally treatable with antibiotics and has not resulted in any deaths in this outbreak. The precautionary pullback illustrates how fast‑food chains can respond quickly when fresh ingredients are suspected of contamination.