Taco Bell restaurants are pulling fresh ingredients from the menu as a fast-growing parasite outbreak linked to explosive diarrhea spreads across multiple states.
Locations, including some in Metro Detroit, have posted signs telling customers they are temporarily unable to serve several produce items while health officials respond to a spike in cyclosporiasis cases, WWJ reported on Tuesday.
“We are currently unable to sell Lettuce, Cilantro Onion, Pico de Gallo and Guacamole due to a nationwide recall,” the notices say.
“We apologize for the inconvenience. Any items ordered that normally come with these items WILL NOT contain them.”
The missing ingredients are staples in several Taco Bell favorites, including tacos, the Crunchwrap Supreme and Cantina Chicken menu items.
It is not clear whether any Taco Bell customers have been sickened by the parasite, according to the report.
The menu shake-up comes as health officials investigate a surge in cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness caused by the Cyclospora parasite that has sickened nearly 2,000 people across the US.
Michigan has reported 992 cases tied to the outbreak, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services — a dramatic jump from the roughly 50 cases the state typically records each year.
The parasite has also gained a foothold elsewhere. New York City has confirmed 273 cases since May 1 and 301 cases so far in 2026, according to the city’s Health Department.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the illness can cause “watery diarrhea” and “frequent and sometimes explosive bowel movements” that may last for a month or longer.
Other symptoms include stomach cramps, nausea, bloating, fatigue, loss of appetite and weight loss.
Most people recover without treatment, according to the agency.
Health officials are also investigating outbreaks in Ohio, North Carolina, Illinois, Colorado, Texas, Florida and Connecticut, though the source has not yet been identified.
Officials are urging consumers to thoroughly wash fresh produce, clean kitchen utensils and surfaces, and cook raw produce when possible.
