KY cases of diarrhea parasite linked to Taco Bell lettuce. Here’s the latest

The Center for Disease Control warned Kentuckians against eating lettuce from Taco Bell after it was linked to the cyclospora outbreak in five states.

Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia and Michigan were reported to have been part of the outbreak caused by shredded iceberg lettuce, according to the CDC.

Cyclospora is a parasite that can cause diarrhea, bloating, nausea, fever, abdominal cramping, headache and vomiting when ingested. It can be found in contaminated food or water, but is typically found on fresh produce in the United States.

Bad lettuce traced to Taylor Farms

Upon its investigation, the Food and Drug Administration said they identified a single supplier of lettuce that was traced to the Taco Bell locations where illnesses were reportedly linked.

Federal warnings did not include the name of the supplier. A federal official who was briefed, but not authorized to speak on the outbreak, told The Associated Press that the supplier was Taylor Farms.

In 2024, fresh onions distributed by Taylor Farms were linked to a deadly E. coli outbreak at McDonald’s.

Since May 1, the CDC received 1,645 reports of cyclospora in the United States. The CDC, FDA and public health officials are still investigating the multi-state outbreak along with separate outbreaks and illnesses “unrelated” to the lettuce outbreak.