Lettuce pulled from US stores amid cyclospora outbreak; Taco Bell removes from menu

Taylor Farms is reportedly recalling iceberg lettuce due to its suspected link to a widespread Cyclospora outbreak in the summer of 2026. Health authorities are investigating shredded iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms to Taco Bell restaurants in several Midwestern states, including Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, Kentucky, and Indiana, as a potential source of the parasite. While official agencies have not yet confirmed the supplier publicly, sources familiar with the investigation have identified Taylor Farms.

The Cyclospora outbreak has led to thousands of illnesses across the United States, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting over 1,600 confirmed cases and at least 94 hospitalizations across 34 states as of July 2026, though state figures are higher. This intestinal illness is caused by the *Cyclospora cayetanensis* parasite, which can result in symptoms like severe diarrhea.

The ongoing investigation highlights concerns about food safety as federal officials continue to trace the exact source of contamination. Taylor Farms, a major producer of salad greens, has faced similar foodborne illness outbreaks linked to its products in previous years. Taco Bell has proactively removed potentially affected lettuce from its supply chain in the implicated states.