US3 min(s) read
Published 09:40 10 Jul 2026 GMT
Taco Bell has temporarily removed key items from its menu at certain restaurants as health officials investigate a fast-growing parasite outbreak linked to explosive diarrhea.
Some locations have posted notices informing customers they are unable to serve several produce items.
"We are currently unable to sell Lettuce, Cilantro Onion, Pico de Gallo and Guacamole due to a nationwide recall," the signs read. "We apologize for the inconvenience. Any items ordered that normally come with these items WILL NOT contain them."
The missing ingredients are staples in a number of Taco Bell favorites, including tacos, the Crunchwrap Supreme, and Cantina Chicken menu items.
It is not yet clear whether some customers have become sick after eating the affected ingredients.
The menu changes come as health officials investigate a growing outbreak of cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness caused by the Cyclospora parasite.
According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the state has reported 992 cases connected to the outbreak, an increase compared with the roughly 50 cases it normally records each year.
New York City has also seen a sharp rise, confirming 273 cases since May 1 and 301 cases so far in 2026, according to the city's Health Department.
Meanwhile, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) previously reported that 145 people between the ages of five and 86 contracted Cyclospora cayetanensis between May and June 16.
Twenty people were hospitalized, though no deaths were reported.
The CDC says the parasite can cause "watery diarrhea" and "frequent and sometimes explosive bowel movements" that may last for a month or longer.
Other symptoms include stomach cramps, nausea, bloating, fatigue, loss of appetite, and weight loss.
Some patients may also experience vomiting, low-grade fever, headaches, body aches, and increased gas, while others may show no symptoms at all.
Although many people recover without treatment, symptoms can last for several days to more than a month, increasing the risk of dehydration if left untreated.
Doctors usually treat the illness with the antibiotic trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, sold under the brand names Bactrim, Septra, and Cotrim.
Investigators revealed that fresh imported produce was linked to several previous cases of cyclosporiasis in the United States.
Foods previously associated with outbreaks include cilantro, raspberries, sweet peas, mesclun lettuce, and basil.
In 2019, imported basil from Mexico was linked to an outbreak, while contaminated McDonald's salads left nearly 400 people sick in 2018.
Health officials are now urging people to thoroughly wash their produce, clean kitchen utensils and surfaces, and cook raw produce whenever possible.
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