Taco Bell has confirmed that select locations have voluntarily removed a limited range of ingredients as a precautionary measure amid a Cyclosporiasis outbreak.
Cyclosporiasis is caused by a minuscule parasite in the intestines that leads to explosive, prolonged, or relapsing diarrhea.
“The health and safety of our guests is our top priority,” the fast food giant said in a statement. “Public health officials have not confirmed a link to Taco Bell or any specific ingredient, supplier, restaurant or retailer.”
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said 34 states have documented cases this year, with Michigan being among the hardest hit.
An estimated 3,300 cases were reported in Michigan as of July 14, up from 170 by June 30. Typically, Michigan only records between 40 and 50 cases of cyclosporiasis each year.
Without naming the specified meal items, Taco Bell said branches had “voluntarily and temporarily removed limited ingredients at select restaurants as a precautionary measure.”
“We will continue to closely monitor the situation and follow the guidance of public health authorities,” the chain said.
The CDC further noted that it is aware of more than 5,100 cases that require further analysis to confirm the illness as domestically acquired cyclosporiasis.
While no specific produce manufacturer or produce type has been identified as the source of the 2026 outbreak, Michigan health officials identified a probable source of the outbreak after in-depth interviews with more than 1,000 infected individuals.
Taco Bell’s July 14 announcement followed social media reports by Taco Bell customers saying they’d seen flyers posted at certain drive-thrus stating the fast food establishment was not including certain ingredients in menu items due to a nationwide recall.
Consumer sightings of the flyers at Taco Bell drive-thrus began emerging after the state of Michigan reported a rise in cases.
One flyer posted on Reddit.com said: “We are currently unable to sell lettuce, cilantro, onion, pico de gallo, and guacamole due to a nationwide recall. We apologize for the inconvenience. Any items ordered that normally come with these items will not contain them.”