STORIES ABOUT THE CYCLOSPORIASIS OUTBREAK

PEOPLE

 

Investigators Identify Potential Source of Cyclosporiasis Outbreak: Report

By Ingrid Vasquez  Published on July 16, 2026 08:48PM EDT

 

A new report from The Washington Post claims to have identified the source of cyclosporiasis, the parasitic illness that causes “explosive” diarrhea.

 

The outlet reported on Thursday, July 16, citing two sources familiar with the investigation, that “investigators have identified shredded iceberg lettuce supplied to Taco Bell restaurants by Taylor Farms as a potential source of contamination” in the current outbreak.

 

The sources “spoke on the condition of anonymity to share details of the ongoing investigation,” according to the Post.

 

Taylor Farms has 20,000 employees and, according to its website, is “the leading global producer of salads and healthy fresh foods, with production facilities across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Western Europe.”

 

PEOPLE has reached out to Taco Bell, Taylor Farms, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for comment.

 

The outbreak has mostly been concentrated in Michigan, but cases have been reported in 34 states as of Monday, July 13, according to the CDC.

 

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has reported 4,312 cyclosporiasis cases and 102 hospitalizations as of July 16.

 

Meanwhile, health officials are investigating nearly 7,000 cases of cyclosporiasis in the United States — inclusive of the Michigan cases — according to a health alert from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

 

While the official cause of the outbreak is still under investigation, MDHHS previously reported on its website that “available information indicates that lettuce or salad greens may be a potential source of this outbreak,” but noted, “other food items cannot be completely ruled out.”

 

The Post’s latest report comes two days after it said that Taco Bell was being investigated by federal and state officials to determine whether it is linked to the ongoing cyclosporiasis outbreaks.

 

After reports emerged that Taco Bell locations had recently stopped serving certain ingredients amid the outbreak, the fast-food chain told PEOPLE it was a voluntary and temporary. decision.

 

The company did not respond to the request for comment on the investigation into Taco Bell.

 

“The health and safety of our guests is our top priority,” Taco Bell told PEOPLE in an emailed statement. “Public health officials have not confirmed a link to Taco Bell or any specific ingredient, supplier, restaurant or retailer.”

 

“While authorities continue their broader review, Taco Bell has voluntarily and temporarily removed limited ingredients at select restaurants as a precautionary measure,” the statement continued. “We will continue to closely monitor the situation and follow the guidance of public health authorities.”

 

The CDC describes Cyclosporiasis as an intestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. People become infected by consuming food or water that contains the parasite.

 

While it is not usually life-threatening, it “usually causes watery diarrhea with frequent and sometimes explosive bowel movements,” according to the CDC.

Here’s more on this.

 

New York Post

 

Taylor Farms, allegedly linked to ‘explosive diarrhea’ cyclosporiasis outbreak, sells produce to multiple popular stores

By Chris Nesi

Published July 17, 2026, 10:38 a.m. ET

 

The produce supplier allegedly linked to an outbreak of cyclosporiasis that has sickened hundreds across at least five states also sells products at a number of retailers.

 

California-based Taylor Farms’ produce is sold at Target, Whole Foods, Walmart and Amazon Fresh, according to its website, among other stores — though there has been no indication that any of the allegedly tainted shredded iceberg lettuce believed to be connected to the outbreak made it to those retailers.

 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Food and Drug Administration and public health officials are currently investigating the outbreak “linked to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell locations in 5 states,” according to the CDC’s website.

 

“FDA’s traceback investigation has identified a single supplier of iceberg lettuce from Mexico used by these Taco Bell locations,” the site reads.

 

“Do not eat shredded iceberg lettuce from Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia,” it emphatically states, noting that more than 1,644 sick people reported eating at Taco Bell in the five states.

 

The fast food joint has since voluntarily removed the potentially contaminated produce from its supply chain “indefinitely.”

 

“Taco Bell has taken precautionary action, and we encourage all relevant restaurants, retailers, and foodservice operators to do the same,” the restaurant said in a statement Thursday.

 

The CDC’s website also noted that the FDA “is working directly with the supplier to determine if contaminated shredded iceberg lettuce went to other places.”

 

The agencies didn’t identify the supplier, but two people familiar with the inquiry told the Washington Post, and a federal official told the Associated Press, that it was Taylor Farms.

 

Taylor Farms did not respond to The Post’s request for clarification about whether lettuce from the same allegedly contaminated batch was sent to other stores or restaurants.

 

Amazon Fresh, Target, Walmart and Whole Foods did not answer a message from The Post inquiring whether they’ve ceased deliveries from the produce supplier or removed items.