Taco Bell is rolling out significant discounts on several menu items, including the Mexican Pizza, in an effort to regain customer traffic following a cyclospora outbreak. The outbreak, which led to a decline in foot traffic since mid-July, was reportedly linked to shredded iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms.
The chain removed the affected produce from its restaurants in July. In response to the outbreak and its impact, Taco Bell has introduced promotions featuring $1 Enchiritos, Mexican pizzas, and nacho fries for rewards members ordering through the app. The Mexican pizza, which normally costs around $5.69, is a lettuce-free item consisting of seasoned beef, refried beans, tortilla shells, sauce, tomatoes, and a cheese blend.
Taco Bell CEO Sean Tresvant addressed customers in a LinkedIn letter, thanking them for their loyalty during the crisis. "You have always stood by us, and we will always stand by you," Tresvant wrote.
The cyclospora parasite can cause symptoms such as prolonged diarrhea, nausea, stomach cramps, and fatigue after consuming contaminated food or water. Federal officials investigated the outbreak, and while an initial lab test on a lettuce sample was later determined to be a false positive, epidemiological evidence continued to support the recall and identify the lettuce as the probable source.
Taylor Farms voluntarily removed iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico from the U.S. market during the federal investigation. The chain now faces the challenge of reassuring customers that the contaminated lettuce has been removed and that its reputation for causing stomach issues is now just a matter of public perception.