Taco Bell Customers Receive Warning Amid Nationwide Diarrhea Outbreak

As thousands of people across the United States are dealing with a gastrointestinal illness caused by a parasite that contaminates fresh produce, Taco Bell is reportedly being investigated, according to the Washington Post.

The popular fast food chain that is known for its Mexican food uses a lot of lettuce, which has been linked to the outbreak. The illness is known for causing days of diarrhea and has sickened thousands, according to the CDC. The foodborne illness is caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis and it has been found in multiple U.S. states across the country.

While the exact cause of the outbreak is unclear at this time, the Washington Post is reporting that Taco Bell is being investigated. Multiple federal and state health officials are investigating "whether Taco Bell restaurants played a role in one of the largest U.S. outbreaks of a gastrointestinal illness caused by a parasite that contaminates fresh produce."

Taco Bell, which is one of the largest fast food chains in the country - with more than 8,000 locations in America, according to the latest data - reportedly had notices posted at some of its Detroit, Michigan restaurants earlier this month.

The Detroit, Michigan area Taco Bells stated that the restaurant chain was "currently unable to sell Lettuce, Cilantro Onion, Pico de Gallo, and Guacamole due to a nationwide recall," according to photos shared by customers.

Michigan is the U.S. state hit hardest by the outbreak. The state has more than 2,500 cases and leafy lettuce is believed to be the leading cause of the spread, according to experts and officials.

"While the investigation is ongoing, current results point to lettuce or salad greens as a potential source for this outbreak, although other food items cannot be completely ruled out," the health department said in a press release.

Officials continue to point to lettuce as a potential culprit

Officials continue to believe that leafy lettuce, which is found in many Taco Bell items, including tacos, is a potential cause of the spread of the diarrhea outbreak.

"Although we do not have a definite product identified as the source of the outbreak, we want to let Michiganders know what we have learned so far so they can take steps to protect their families," Natasha Bagdasarian, Michigan's chief medical executive, said in a statement.

"Early information has shown lettuce as a common product that regularly comes up during the investigation."

Taco Bell customers, meanwhile, have been put on notice by the Washington Post, as they've taken to social media to find some humor in the situation.

"Taco Bell has removed lettuce, guacamole, pico de gallo, and onion from several locations to prevent spreading the diarrhea parasite Cyclospora. Taco Bell is leading the way on preventing diarrhea. Taco. Bell," one Taco Bell fan joked.

"The one time I've had a Taco Bell taco in years. A singular beef taco to hold me over this weekend and this? Pray for my insides," NFL reporter Jane Slater added.

So far, cases have been reported in 30 U.S. states, according to the latest data from officials.

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Jul 14, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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This story was originally published July 14, 2026 at 10:54 AM.