**Health Officials Identify Source of US Explosive Diarrhea Outbreak**
**Published: July 19, 2026**
Health officials have identified a sample of iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms as the source of a significant outbreak of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic infection causing explosive diarrhea, which has affected thousands across the United States. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that the contaminated sample was linked to products supplied to Taco Bell, a popular fast-food chain.
The outbreak, which has led to at least 94 hospitalizations, was first reported on May 13, 2026. Symptoms of cyclosporiasis can manifest up to two weeks after exposure and include prolonged watery diarrhea, sudden weight loss, and a loss of appetite. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has indicated that the infections are connected to iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico and distributed by Taylor Farms.
In response to the outbreak, Taylor Farms has voluntarily removed all iceberg lettuce sourced from the affected region from the US market. The company has also issued a list of products that may be impacted. Notably, the FDA clarified that the specific sample that tested positive for the parasite is not part of the current recall, which was announced on the same day.
The FDA conducted targeted surveillance of imports as part of its investigation and collected the positive sample during this process. In a statement, the FDA emphasized that Taylor Farms is collaborating with health authorities to determine whether any of the implicated products remain in commerce or are in consumers' homes.
The CDC has advised consumers to avoid eating shredded iceberg lettuce from Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia, where the outbreak has been particularly concentrated. Taco Bell has confirmed that it has completed the removal of the affected lettuce from its restaurants.
Taylor Farms has stated that it has ceased receiving products from the implicated lot and has suspended the distribution of iceberg lettuce from Central Mexico. The company is actively working with the FDA, CDC, and state authorities to address the situation.
As of now, no fatalities have been reported in connection with the outbreak, but the number of affected individuals continues to rise. The lettuce recall also extends to Marketside-branded iceberg lettuce sold at Walmart locations across 15 states, as indicated by the FDA.
Health officials continue to monitor the situation closely, urging consumers to remain vigilant and report any symptoms associated with cyclosporiasis. The investigation into the outbreak is ongoing, and further updates are expected as more information becomes available.