A multistate cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to contaminated lettuce has sickened tens of thousands of Americans this summer, with Michigan bearing the heaviest toll — and health officials there now say residents can safely return to eating bagged salads.
The outbreak, linked to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell locations across multiple states and traced to a recall of Taylor Farms de Mexico iceberg lettuce, has generated more than 10,000 laboratory-confirmed cases nationwide, with an additional 12,000 suspected cases still awaiting verification. Cyclosporiasis is caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, which spreads through food or water that has been contaminated. The CDC notes the illness can take up to six weeks to be connected to a specific outbreak, meaning case counts may continue to climb even as the source produce is removed from shelves.
Outbreak Spreads Across 15 States
Investigators initially believed the outbreak was confined to five states, but by August 5, the FDA’s inquiry had expanded the count to 15 states affected by infections tied to the Taylor Farms supply chain. In a statement, the agency explained the jump: “This increase in cases is due, in part, to the inclusion of people who reported exposure to Taco Bell or recalled Taylor Farms de Mexico iceberg lettuce and the identification and addition of six new states that are now linked to this outbreak.” Michigan has reported more than 11,000 cases — the highest of any state — and on August 3, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services recorded the first two deaths connected to the outbreak.
Michigan Lifts Precautionary Salad Warning
The MDHHS reported 12,485 cyclosporiasis cases in Michigan since June 2026, but data now points to a slowdown. The department cited “a downward trend in diarrhea-related emergency department visits” as part of its rationale for lifting the broad salad advisory. “The broad, precautionary recommendation to avoid bagged salad mixes during the Cyclospora outbreak is no longer in effect,” officials stated, adding that residents “may resume their usual food handling practices and make choices based on their individual risk tolerance.” The department noted that most of the affected produce is likely no longer available for purchase, though it continues to advise consumers to steer clear of any specifically recalled lettuce products.
With case reporting still active across multiple states and federal investigators continuing their work, the full scope of the outbreak may not be clear for weeks — leaving public health agencies watching closely for any new clusters tied to the contaminated supply chain.
