Taco Bell Drops Ingredients Amid Cyclosporiasis Outbreak

Multiple Taco Bell locations across the United States have removed several fresh ingredients from their menus as a precautionary measure amid a significant, multistate outbreak of a parasitic intestinal illness. The fast-food chain has posted signs at affected restaurants, including in the Metro Detroit area, stating they are currently unable to sell lettuce, cilantro, onion, pico de gallo, and guacamole due to a nationwide recall. The missing items are staples in many of the chain's popular offerings, including tacos and the Crunchwrap Supreme.

The move coincides with a rapidly growing outbreak of cyclosporiasis, an illness caused by the microscopic Cyclospora parasite. Health officials have not identified Taco Bell as a source of the outbreak, and there is no known link between the chain and the reported illnesses. Investigators are instead focusing on tracing contaminated fresh produce distributed through broader supply channels.

The scale of the outbreak is substantial, with several states reporting unusually high case counts. Michigan has been particularly hard-hit, with state health officials reporting a dramatic surge. As of early July 9, Michigan had reported 1,251...