Cyclospora outbreak linked to Taylor Farms lettuce spreads to nine U.S. states

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have confirmed 1,947 cases of cyclosporiasis, a parasite‑caused diarrheal illness, across nine states – Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma and Pennsylvania. Michigan remains the epicenter with roughly 7,000‑8,000 infections. Hospitalizations total at least 98, but no deaths have been reported.

Federal investigators trace the outbreak to shredded iceberg lettuce grown in central Mexico and supplied by Taylor Farms. The lettuce was served at Taco Bell restaurants and distributed to other food‑service outlets. Taylor Farms voluntarily recalled the product, and Taco Bell removed it from its menu before the recall became public. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continues parallel investigations, including a separate 72‑case cyclosporiasis cluster with an as‑yet‑unknown source.

The public health response includes a massive traceback effort, expanded recalls of packaged lettuce, and heightened consumer warnings. In reaction to the loss of foot traffic, Taco Bell launched a $1 promotional campaign for select menu items. Additionally, a group of seven plaintiffs has filed a lawsuit in a Michigan federal court alleging illness from the contaminated lettuce.