The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported that the largest multistate cyclosporiasis outbreak this year in the U.S. has now spread to nine states. Originally identified in five states including Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, West Virginia, and Michigan, the outbreak has expanded to include Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania. The parasitic illness caused by Cyclospora typically results from contaminated food or water and leads to gastrointestinal symptoms such as severe diarrhea. While hospitalizations have occurred, no deaths have been reported.

Health officials have linked the outbreak primarily to shredded iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms from a facility in Guanajuato, Mexico. Despite Mexican health authorities testing samples from the facility and water with negative results, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continues to regard Taylor Farms' product as a likely source. The earliest illnesses arose in mid-May, but due to the parasite’s long incubation period, contaminated lettuce was likely distributed weeks prior. Taco Bell has removed the lettuce from its restaurants, and Taylor Farms has issued a voluntary recall.

The CDC has recorded nearly 2,000 cases of cyclosporiasis connected to Taco Bell across the affected states, with illness onset dates ranging from June 22 to July 20. State health counts suggest even higher infection numbers than federal reports indicate. The recall notice from Taylor Farms has faced criticism for poor clarity and communication to consumers about product risk. Additionally, Taylor Farms' public statements about an FDA apology caused confusion as the agency later denied providing one.

President Donald Trump publicly mentioned imposing tariffs on Mexican lettuce due to the outbreak, though it is unclear if the statement was serious. The outbreak underscores challenges in federal response, including funding cuts that may have complicated efforts at containment and source identification. Meanwhile, the FDA is also investigating a separate cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to an unknown food product, highlighting ongoing food safety concerns.