Taco Bell under investigation after parasite outbreak causes 'explosive diarrhoea' across multiple US states

Officials stress no restaurant or ingredient has been confirmed as source while fresh produce recall continues

Taco Bell is facing increased scrutiny after state and federal health officials began investigating whether the fast food chain is connected to a growing outbreak of cyclossporiasis, a parasitic illness that can cause severe gastrointestinal symptoms, including what health experts describe as "explosive diarrhoea."

The investigation comes as health authorities continue working to identify the source of infections that have spread across multiple US states. Importantly, officials have not confirmed that Taco Bell, any specific supplier or any individual ingredient caused the outbreak. The investigation remains ongoing.

According to reports, several Taco Bell locations in Michigan temporarily stopped serving lettuce, cilantro, onions, pico de gallo and guacamole after a nationwide produce recall. Notices posted at affected restaurants informed customers that the ingredients had been removed as a precaution while public health officials continued their investigation.

In a statement, Taco Bell said customer safety remains its highest priority and emphasised that authorities have not established a direct connection between the company and the outbreak. The chain said it voluntarily removed a limited number of fresh ingredients at select restaurants while officials complete their review.

Michigan has reported the highest number of illnesses. As of this week, state officials have identified 3,309 cases, a dramatic increase from the roughly 50 cases typically recorded during an average year. Health officials have also confirmed cases in Illinois, Ohio, Virginia and New York.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed hundreds of cases nationwide since May, along with dozens of hospitalisations. The agency has also warned that the actual number of infections is likely significantly higher because many cases remain under review and symptoms often take weeks to appear.

Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite spread through food or water contaminated with human waste. People infected with the parasite may experience watery diarrhoea, severe bowel movements, stomach cramps, bloating, nausea, vomiting, fatigue and low grade fever. While the illness is rarely life threatening, symptoms can persist for several weeks if left untreated.

Investigators believe fresh produce may be responsible, but they have not identified a single contaminated product. Michigan health officials recently said lettuce or salad greens have emerged as common factors during interviews with patients, though they stressed the investigation has not reached a final conclusion.

Officials have advised consumers to buy whole heads of lettuce instead of pre washed varieties whenever possible, remove the outer leaves and thoroughly wash the remaining produce before eating.

The growing investigation has sparked concern online, with many consumers sharing worries about eating fresh salads and vegetables while the source remains unknown. Others have praised Taco Bell's decision to temporarily remove selected ingredients before investigators reached a final conclusion, calling it a sensible precaution.

Health experts continue to urge caution against jumping to conclusions while the investigation remains active. They note that many infected people never visited Taco Bell, indicating the outbreak extends beyond a single restaurant chain and may involve a broader food distribution network.

For now, officials are continuing to trace the source of the contamination. Until laboratory evidence identifies the exact origin, health agencies maintain that no restaurant, supplier or specific produce item has been confirmed as responsible for the nationwide outbreak.