Taco Bell Pulls Lettuce After Health Authority Links to Parasite Outbreak

US fast‑food chain Taco Bell is removing shredded iceberg lettuce from its menu in several states after the CDC identified links to a cyclosporiasis outbreak.

The decision came “out of an abundance of caution” after discussions with health officials, Taco Bell told the BBC. The FDA advised diners in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia to avoid the Mexican‑supplied lettuce.

In total, 1,645 residents in those states have tested positive for a parasitic infection that can spread through contaminated food or water. Although no deaths have been reported, 94 people are currently hospitalised.

While the chain has not disclosed which states will see the removal, Michigan has reported more than 3,300 cases. The supplier most cited by US media is Taylor Farms.

Symptoms of cyclosporiasis can appear up to two weeks after exposure and include watery diarrhoea, rapid weight loss and loss of appetite.

Finding the source is complicated due to the parasite’s microscopic size and cuts in federal health agencies, according to experts. “It’s like finding a microscopic needle in a haystack,” said Steven Manderach of the Association of Food and Drug Officials.

In the meantime, Taco Bell says it will replace lettuce from the discontinued supplier with an alternative from a different source.

Consumers are urged to check menu items for the presence of shredded lettuce from Mexico and to seek medical advice if they experience symptoms of a parasitic bowel infection.