Last week, I reported on a nationwide outbreak of Cyclospora cayetanensis, a microscopic gut parasite that triggers explosive diarrhea and can be accompanied by severe cramping, nausea, fatigue, and prolonged weeks of illness.
As I noted in that article, given similar events previously recorded, the Cyclospora spread would be likely tied to fruits or vegetables from a national distributor.
Past outbreaks have been traced to imported cilantro from Puebla and bagged greens distributed through major national retail chains. In 2018, McDonald’s salads were linked to over 3oo cases of cyclospora. The current geographic spread is strongly suggestive that we are looking for a nationally distributed food item, most likely fruit or vegetables.
Now, in response, Taco Bell restaurants are pulling fresh ingredients from the menu.
Locations, including some in Metro Detroit, have posted signs telling customers they are temporarily unable to serve several produce items while health officials respond to a spike in cyclosporiasis cases, WWJ reported on Tuesday.“We are currently unable to sell Lettuce, Cilantro Onion, Pico de Gallo and Guacamole due to a nationwide recall,” the notices say.“We apologize for the inconvenience. Any items ordered that normally come with these items WILL NOT contain them.”The missing ingredients are staples in several Taco Bell favorites, including tacos, the Crunchwrap Supreme and Cantina Chicken menu items.
It must be noted that this is not a government-mandated “recall.” It is a proactive move by the restaurant chain, which apparently reviewed case histories and made it based on an internal risk assessment.
Taco Bell stated it is working closely with suppliers and health authorities. A company spokesperson said the removals are temporary while the company switches to alternative suppliers to ensure customer safety.No confirmed cases have been directly tied to Taco Bell locations in official CDC reports so far, but the chain’s proactive step follows broader industry concerns over produce safety. The ingredients are expected to return once new supplies are verified safe.Despite the temporary removal of several fresh ingredients, Taco Bell is not lowering prices on affected menu items. Customers will still be charged the standard price for burritos, tacos, and bowls even without lettuce, guacamole, or pico de gallo. The company has posted signs apologizing for the inconvenience but has not announced any discounts or price adjustments at this time.Taco Bell has not announced a specific end date, saying it will depend on supplier verification and health authority guidance.
Meanwhile, the Cyclospora outbreak is continuing. In my last report, I noted that Michigan had logged 150 cases. That number has expanded over the past week to nearly 1000.
Nearly 1,000 people in Michigan have been diagnosed with a parasitic infection that can cause weeks of watery diarrhea, making it the largest such outbreak in state history and one of the nation’s largest in years.No deaths have been reported and the source of the cyclospora infections hasn’t been identified. Meanwhile, investigations into similar illnesses have been going on in 28 other states, including in Ohio, where people just across the Michigan border are also becoming sick.Michigan officials first announced the outbreak last week, when they were aware of more than 170 cases — all in the southeastern corner of the state — since June 22. Michigan usually identifies only about 50 cases each year.On Wednesday, the state reported the number had grown to 992, including about 40 hospitalizations. Just across the state line, Lucas County, Ohio, reported 306 cases as of Wednesday. Northwest Ohio has seen more than 500 cases.
Cases are now cropping up in Kansas City, Mo.
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment reports 22 confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis in the state as of Wednesday, July 8.Health officials note that 16 of those cases were reported in June, with an additional case reported since the start of July.The first Kansas case of 2026 was reported in April, according to the KDHE. Patients range in age from 20 to 74.
Looking at the current situation, there is strong evidence of a classic produce-linked outbreak, even if officials haven’t identified the source. Taco Bell’s proactive response is clearly prudent, as the food chain would probably like to stay out of the headlines and avoid being the punchline to diarrhea jokes.
In the meantime, it’s a good reminder to rinse produce thoroughly, keep preparation surfaces clean, and remember that “fresh” doesn’t always mean risk-free.
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