CDC links Taco Bell lettuce in five states to cyclospora outbreak

Federal health officials have identified shredded iceberg lettuce from Mexico served at Taco Bell restaurants in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia as the source of a widespread cyclospora outbreak.

The CDC issued a warning urging consumers not to eat the lettuce and noted that a record number of cyclospora cases have been reported in more than 30 states, though not all illnesses may be linked to this source.

An FDA investigation traced the lettuce to a single supplier, identified by a federal official as Taylor Farms of Salinas, California, a company previously associated with foodborne outbreaks. Taylor Farms has not responded to comment.

FDA and CDC are working with the supplier to determine whether contaminated lettuce remains on the market, including in other states.