The Taco Bell Cyclospora outbreak response includes temporarily removing limited ingredients at select restaurants. CDC, FDA and state officials are investigating rising cyclosporiasis cases, but no restaurant, supplier or specific food has been confirmed as the source.

Taco Bell has voluntarily removed limited ingredients from select U.S. restaurants as health authorities investigate a growing outbreak of cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness caused by the microscopic Cyclospora parasite.

The company said the temporary measure was precautionary. Health officials have not confirmed a connection between the outbreak and Taco Bell, a specific menu item, supplier, restaurant or retailer.

Taco Bell ingredient removal affects select restaurants

Taco Bell has not released a complete list of affected restaurants or ingredients. Reports from some Midwest locations indicated that lettuce, cilantro-onion mixtures, pico de gallo and guacamole were temporarily unavailable.

“The health and safety of our guests is our top priority,” a Taco Bell spokesperson said, adding that limited ingredients had been removed while authorities continued their broader investigation.

The action should not be described as confirmation that Taco Bell caused the outbreak. Federal officials had not publicly identified a restaurant chain, produce grower, supplier or specific product as the source.

CDC reports cases across 34 states

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that, as of Monday, July 13, 2026, it had received reports of 1,645 laboratory-confirmed, domestically acquired cases across 34 states. At least 141 patients were hospitalized, and no deaths had been reported.

The CDC said the illnesses covered onset dates from Friday, May 1, 2026, through Thursday, July 9, 2026. Officials expect the national total to rise because reporting can lag behind the onset of illness.

The national count includes cases linked to several investigations as well as illnesses that have not been connected to a common source.

Michigan investigates lettuce and salad greens

Michigan reported 3,762 cyclosporiasis cases as of Wednesday, July 15, 2026. State officials said available evidence indicated that lettuce or salad greens could be a source, but other foods had not been ruled out.

No specific produce variety, grower or supplier had been identified. Michigan’s total reflects its state outbreak investigation and uses a different reporting timeline from the CDC’s national laboratory-confirmed surveillance count, meaning the figures should not be combined.

FDA continues Cyclospora traceback work

The Food and Drug Administration listed several active Cyclospora investigations in July 2026 involving products that had not yet been identified. The agency said traceback and sampling had begun in some investigations, but its public table did not identify Taco Bell or announce a specific nationwide produce recall connected to the broader outbreak.

Cyclospora symptoms and medical testing

Cyclosporiasis can cause prolonged watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, stomach cramps, fatigue, nausea and weight loss. The CDC advises people experiencing possible symptoms to contact a healthcare provider, who can order testing and prescribe treatment when appropriate.

The investigation remains active, and Taco Bell’s limited ingredient removals may continue until health authorities narrow down the affected food supply. Any confirmation of a product, supplier or restaurant connection would require further epidemiological and traceback evidence.