Cyclospora outbreak possibly linked to lettuce from Taco Bell supplier: Report

The possible source of the cyclospora outbreak has been linked to lettuce sold by Taylor Farms to Taco Bell restaurants, according to a report by The Washington Post.

admin July 17, 2026 2 minutes read

The source of the cyclosporiasis outbreak that has gripped the country over the last couple of weeks has been potentially linked to lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms to Taco Bell, according to a Washington Post report.

Investigators linked shredded iceberg lettuce that was supplied to Taco Bell restaurants to the parasitic illness that is known to cause explosive diarrhea.

Two sources spoke to the Washington Post on condition of anonymity to share details of the ongoing investigation.

FILE – Shredded lettuce in a bowl. (Photo by Roberto Machado Noa/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Cyclosporiasis outbreak

By the numbers:

According to CDC data, 34 states are reporting a combined 1,645 cyclosporiasis cases as of July 15, but local and state health data show at least 6,756 cases in 38 states.

The CDC says case numbers are likely much higher than what the agency is reporting.

The illness is not usually life threatening and is typically treated with antibiotics.