The Independent68%
Taco Bell now under investigation over outbreak of parasite that causes ‘explosive diarrhea,’ report says 25%
By Brendan Rascius75%
7/14/2026, 6:01:06 AM
BS Summary: This article contains 24 faulty reasoning types, including Confirmation Bias, Framing Effect, and Biased Writer Voice, with Appeal to Authority as the most egregious example at 18.4% saturation with 86 hits. Analysis detected 957 faulty-reasoning hits from 467 analyzed words, generating a BS Score of 37.3% and a BS Rank of 25% (16,487 of 21,887 articles). This article is better (less manipulative) than 75.30% of the article peer group.
Taco Bell may be entangled in a widening outbreak of a parasitic gastrointestinal illness linked to contaminated produce, according to a new report.
Signs posted at several Taco Bell locations in Michigan last week warned customers that the restaurants were “currently unable to sell Lettuce, Cilantro Onion, Pico de Gallo, and Guacamole due to a nationwide recall.”
It comes as the state contends with a notable uptick in cyclosporiasis cases this year, and as state officials have warned that the outbreak may be tied to lettuce.
While some infected individuals reported eating at Taco Bell, others had not — an indication that the outbreak is not confined to the chain.
*The Independent* has contacted a representative for Taco Bell for comment.
As of July 9, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed 843 cases of cyclosporiasis in 31 states since May, leading to 86 hospitalizations and no reported deaths.
Federal officials caution, however, that the true number of infections is likely far higher.
Health officials in Michigan, for instance, have reported over 1,500 cases, more than ten times that average annual amount.
Spikes have also been reported in Illinois, Virginia, Ohio and New York.
Cyclospora is transmitted when people consume food or water contaminated with fecal matter, according to the CDC.
While cyclosporiasis cases are reported year-round, they are most common between May 1 through August 31.
Past outbreaks have been linked to raspberries, basil, cilantro and salad mixes.
The infection can cause symptoms including “watery diarrhea” and “explosive bowel movements,” as well as fatigue, stomach cramps, bloating, nausea, vomiting and a low-grade fever.
It is rarely life-threatening.
“Most people with healthy immune systems will eventually recover from cyclosporiasis without treatment,” the CDC website states.
“However, if not treated, you may be sick for anywhere from a few days to a month or longer.”
Symptoms may take two weeks or longer to appear, and some people remain asymptomatic — factors that can make the source of an outbreak difficult to pinpoint.
This week, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services said the latest outbreak may be tied to lettuce or salad greens.
“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,” MDHHS Chief Medical Executive Dr.
Natasha Bagdasarian said in a Monday statement.
“Early information has shown lettuce as a common product that regularly comes up during the investigation.
We will continue to provide updates as we learn more.”
Rather than buying pre-washed lettuce, officials have recommended purchasing whole heads of lettuce, discarding the outer layers and washing the inner section thoroughly.
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