Shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell locations is source of cyclosporiasis infections in five states

Media alert

For immediate release: July 17, 2026
CDC Media Relations
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A CDC food safety alert regarding a multistate outbreak of cyclosporiasis infections has been posted at https://www.cdc.gov/cyclosporiasis/outbreaks/07-26/index.html.

Key Points:

  • Over 1,644 people in 5 states have been infected with Cyclospora. Illnesses have been reported from Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia.
  • Ninety-four people have been hospitalized, and no deaths have been reported.
  • The illnesses have been linked to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia.
  • FDA's traceback investigation has identified a single supplier of iceberg lettuce from Mexico used by the Taco Bell locations where sick people ate.
  • Shredded iceberg lettuce sold in grocery stores or served in other restaurants is not affected.
  • This alert only includes illnesses that are lab confirmed and have been linked to this product, not all cyclosporiasis illnesses being reported to and by CDC.

What You Should Do:

  • Do not eat shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia.
  • If you have symptoms of cyclosporiasis, contact your healthcare provider to receive care and report symptoms.
  • You may need to specifically request that your healthcare provider test you for Cyclospora.

Cyclosporiasis Symptoms:

  • Some people may not experience symptoms.
  • Symptoms can include watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, and weight loss.
  • Symptoms usually begin about one week after becoming infected.
  • Without treatment, symptoms can last anywhere from a few days to a month or longer.
  • If you have symptoms, stay well hydrated.

If you have questions about cases in a particular state, please call that state's health department.

If you are a member of the media, please fill out this Request for Comment form to submit your media inquiry to CDC.

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