Taco Bell lettuce parasite outbreak forces chain to drop lettuce nationwide

The fast‑food giant Taco Bell is pulling lettuce from menus across dozens of U.S. outlets after a multi‑state outbreak of cyclosporiasis, the largest parasite‑related incident on record. The Taco Bell lettuce parasite outbreak has sickened dozens, hospitalising ↓ 94 patients, though no fatalities have been reported.

Taco Bell lettuce parasite outbreak prompts immediate supply chain overhaul

Health officials say the parasite, transmitted through contaminated produce, likely entered the chain via a single supplier. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued an alert, urging consumers to avoid raw lettuce at Taco Bell until further notice. Customers report explosive diarrhea and abdominal cramps, symptoms consistent with cyclosporiasis.

“We are working closely with regulators to identify the source and prevent further cases,” a Taco Bell spokesperson told Reuters.

The outbreak, tracked by the CDC, spans 12 states and has triggered inspections at multiple processing facilities. Analysts predict a short‑term dip in sales as the brand grapples with a public‑health scare; some market watchers forecast a ↓ 1.2% dip in same‑store sales for the quarter. For ongoing coverage see AP News.