Some U.S. officials blame lettuce for cyclospora outbreak
U.S. health officials are investigating a surge in cyclospora infections, with early data pointing to lettuce as a potential source. Taco Bell has voluntarily removed some ingredients as a precaution while the investigation continues.
Why it matters
Foodborne illness outbreaks pose significant public health risks and impact supply chain operations for major restaurant chains.
NEW YORK — Infections from the diarrhea-causing parasite cyclospora are surging, with state-level data suggesting that 2026 is already the nation’s worst year for reported cases.
More than 30 states have reported infections this year, and current data from them shows the number of infections surpassing the record U.S. mark of about 4,700 set in 2019. The illness is not usually life threatening and is typically treated with antibiotics.
Health officials have not yet definitively identified what is causing the infections. On Tuesday, federal health officials said there may be different infection patterns in different places, although they believe cases in at least four states — Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky and West Virginia — are linked.
In Michigan — where more than 3,300 cases have been reported — officials say early information points to lettuce or salad greens as a possible culprit.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in