The number of states affected by a multistate outbreak of cyclospora has grown, with four additional states now reporting infections linked to iceberg lettuce. Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania have joined Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky in the growing list of affected areas.
The outbreak is associated with iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms de Mexico, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Patients reported becoming ill after consuming food at Taco Bell locations where they were exposed to the implicated lettuce.
While a preliminary lab sample from the border initially showed a false positive, the FDA clarified that this did not alter the investigation's trajectory. Epidemiological data continues to strongly connect the outbreak to shredded iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico by Taylor Farms. The FDA urges the public to avoid products included in Taylor Farms' voluntary recall.
Taco Bell has removed the potentially affected lettuce from its restaurants, and Taylor Farms has initiated a broad recall. The company stated it has temporarily suspended all iceberg lettuce sourcing and production from central Mexico as a precautionary measure.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recorded 4,173 laboratory-confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis since May 1, with over 7,400 additional cases under review. Of these, 1,947 individuals reported both infection and exposure to Taco Bell in the affected states.
Separately, North Carolina is experiencing its own surge in cyclosporiasis cases, linked to parsley and cilantro in addition to lettuce. Officials have indicated that this regional outbreak does not appear to be connected to the multistate outbreak involving Taco Bell and iceberg lettuce, and the source of contamination for the local herbs is not yet clear.