Taco Bell restaurants across multiple states have removed fresh produce from their menus after a nationwide parasite outbreak caused nearly 2,000 Americans to suffer severe gastrointestinal illness. Signs posted at locations, including several in Metro Detroit, inform customers that lettuce, cilantro, onions, pico de gallo, and guacamole are temporarily unavailable due to a nationwide recall affecting key ingredients in popular menu items.
Parasite Cases Surge Across Eight States
Health officials are investigating a dramatic surge in cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness caused by the Cyclospora parasite that has infected nearly 2,000 people across the United States. Michigan alone has reported 992 cases connected to the outbreak, a staggering increase from the roughly 50 cases the state typically records annually. New York City has confirmed 273 cases since May 1, bringing the city’s 2026 total to 301 infections. Health departments in Ohio, North Carolina, Illinois, Colorado, Texas, Florida, and Connecticut are also tracking outbreaks, though investigators have not yet identified the contamination source.
Severe Symptoms Can Last Over A Month
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns that cyclosporiasis causes watery diarrhea and frequent, sometimes explosive bowel movements that may persist for a month or longer without treatment. Additional symptoms include stomach cramps, nausea, bloating, fatigue, loss of appetite, and weight loss. While most people recover without medical intervention, the prolonged nature of the illness has raised concerns among public health officials. The missing ingredients are staples in several Taco Bell favorites, including tacos, the Crunchwrap Supreme, and items from the Cantina Chicken menu. Restaurant notices apologize for the inconvenience and warn customers that ordered items will arrive without the recalled produce.
What This Means
The outbreak highlights ongoing food safety challenges in the American produce supply chain. Health officials have not confirmed whether any Taco Bell customers contracted the parasite from restaurant food, but the chain’s decision to pull multiple fresh ingredients suggests serious caution about contamination risks. Authorities are urging all consumers to thoroughly wash fresh produce, clean kitchen utensils and surfaces regularly, and cook raw produce when possible to reduce infection risk. The investigation continues as health departments work to trace the outbreak source and prevent additional cases across affected states.