No, You Shouldn’t Avoid Fruits and Vegetables Due to Cyclospora

Key Points:

• The U.S. is experiencing a significant cyclospora outbreak in 2026, with over 6,000 reported cases, primarily concentrated in Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, Indiana, and Kentucky, linked to contaminated shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell locations in these states.
• Federal agencies, including the CDC and FDA, have identified a single supplier of the contaminated lettuce, reportedly Taylor Farms, and have advised consumers in affected states to avoid shredded iceberg lettuce from Taco Bell while investigations continue.
• Cyclospora infections typically surge in summer and are caused by consuming food or water contaminated with human feces; outbreaks have historically been linked to produce such as basil, raspberries, cilantro, and lettuce.
• Food safety experts recommend continuing to eat fruits and vegetables but advise extra precautions in affected states, including avoiding prechopped produce, thoroughly washing fruits and vegetables, and for vulnerable populations, considering cooked produce to reduce infection risk.
• The CDC and FDA emphasize ongoing monitoring and investigation, warning that additional contaminated products or distribution channels may be identified, and encourage good hygiene practices, such as handwashing and washing produce before consumption.