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3w ago

Taco Bell Sells $1 Lettuce‑Free Enchiritos as Cyclospora Probe Keeps Taylor Farms in Focus

Federal traceback and patient interviews continue to point to shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico even though an initial FDA positive test was later ruled a false positive.

A Taco Bell restaurant on July 14 in La Cañada Flintridge, California. Foot traffic at the chain dropped after federal health officials linked it to the investigation of the widespread cyclospora outbreak.
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Overview

  • Federal investigators have linked a multistate Cyclospora outbreak to shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico based on epidemiology and supply‑chain traceback, and Taylor Farms has recalled affected lots and paused sourcing from central Mexico.
  • The Food and Drug Administration withdrew an earlier laboratory result that had shown Cyclospora on a lettuce sample, leaving no confirmed positive product tests while public health interviews and traceback work continue.
  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported more than 4,100 laboratory‑confirmed U.S. cases since May 1 and hundreds of hospitalizations with thousands of additional suspected illnesses under review.
  • Consumer concern sharply cut Taco Bell visits, with location data showing about a 30% drop in foot traffic on July 17, and the chain responded with a one‑day promotion offering $1 Enchiritos without lettuce and $1 app Nacho Fries to try to regain customers.
  • Cyclospora is a parasite that causes prolonged watery diarrhea and usually needs a specific antibiotic for treatment so public‑health officials urge people with persistent symptoms to seek testing and avoid recalled iceberg lettuce products while the FDA and CDC collect more samples.