All the Questions-and Explosive Answers-You Could Have About Diarrhea Summer

Key Points:

• The U.S. is experiencing its largest-ever outbreak of cyclospora, a parasite spread through contaminated fresh produce causing prolonged diarrhea, nausea, and fatigue, with over 4,000 confirmed cases and thousands more reported since May 2026.
• The outbreak has heightened public anxiety about food safety amid recent cuts to CDC and FDA staff and surveillance programs, which have reduced mandatory tracking of cyclospora and other foodborne pathogens.
• Investigations traced a major cluster of cases to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell locations in several states, with Taylor Farms, a large produce supplier, implicated as the source of contaminated lettuce.
• Taylor Farms recalled iceberg lettuce from 27 states but has been criticized for unclear communication and controversy over a false positive cyclospora test; the FDA maintains the recall is supported by strong epidemiological evidence.
• To reduce risk of infection, consumers are advised to thoroughly wash produce or cook it to at least 158°F, avoid iceberg lettuce linked to the outbreak, and consider lettuce-free menu options like Taco Bell's new offerings.