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Taco Bell removes key ingredients amid parasite spread

foodJul 10, 2026253,394

Taco Bell has temporarily removed lettuce, guacamole, and pico de gallo from many menu items after health officials investigating an outbreak of Cyclospora cayetanensis, a parasite that causes cyclosporiasis, spread across multiple U.S. states. The chain said it acted out of caution while switching to alternative suppliers and working with health authorities; the removed ingredients will return once new supplies are verified safe. Cyclospora causes watery "explosive" diarrhea, loss of appetite, stomach cramps, nausea, and fatigue and can last weeks if untreated. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is investigating the outbreak, which has affected multiple states including parts of Texas, and notes Cyclospora spreads through contaminated food or water rather than person-to-person. Health officials say the parasite is more common in warmer months and linked to fresh produce from endemic regions; its oocysts resist many common sanitizers and require thorough washing or cooking. No confirmed cases have been directly tied to Taco Bell in official CDC reports so far. Taco Bell will continue charging standard prices for affected burritos, tacos, and bowls and has posted signs apologizing for the inconvenience while other major chains monitor the situation.

Ian Boudreau
@ianboudreau.com

I have a question. If specific Taco Bell ingredients were causing explosive diarrhea, how would you be able to tell

224445d ago
Jack Hopkins-The Original
@therealjackhopkins.bsky.social

1/4 A stomach parasite doesn't care about politics. It cares about weak safeguards. As Cyclospora cases surge across multiple states, Taco Bell is pulling fresh ingredients while investigators trace the source.

35445d ago
Taco Bell Quarterly
@tacobellquarterly.org

The enchirito is back and contains no fresh ingredients that could harbor life

Taco Bell locations pull ingredients off menu as explosive diarrhea parasite cases surge
32545d ago
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