A multistate cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to shredded iceberg lettuce has expanded to nine states, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirming 1,947 cases among people who reported eating at Taco Bell. More than 11,500 suspected illnesses have been recorded since the outbreak began on June 22.
The FDA is investigating an additional 72 cases tied to an unidentified source, while North Carolina officials have linked cases to parsley and cilantro. Taylor Farms de Mexico issued a voluntary recall of the lettuce, though Mexican health authorities reported negative test results from samples at the company's central Mexico plant.
The outbreak has significantly impacted food service traffic, with Taco Bell visits dropping nearly 30% on July 18 compared to a typical Saturday. No deaths have been reported.