Michigan health officials say residents can resume normal consumption of lettuce and salad greens as cyclosporiasis cases decline. The outbreak was linked to shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms sourced in central Mexico, prompting a voluntary recall; Taco Bell has stopped using that supplier's lettuce. Michigan has recorded more than 12,400 cases since June; the CDC reports over 22,000 cases nationwide since May 1. Officials advise avoiding recalled products, rinsing produce and maintaining good hand and kitchen hygiene.
Michigan Says It’s Safe to Resume Eating Lettuce as Cyclosporiasis Cases Decline
Ellen Schmidt/AP Photo - PHOTO: Lettuce is stocked in the produce section at a grocery store chain in Minneapolis, July 31, 2026.
Michigan health officials announced Thursday that residents may return to their usual consumption of lettuce and salad greens as new cases of cyclosporiasis slow.
Outbreak Link and Recall
Investigators tied a multistate outbreak to shredded iceberg lettuce served at some Taco Bell restaurants. The iceberg lettuce was supplied by Taylor Farms and sourced from central Mexico; Taylor Farms has issued a voluntary recall of all iceberg lettuce from that region. Taco Bell has said it is no longer using lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico at its restaurants.
State and National Case Counts
Michigan has recorded more than 12,400 cases since June, including 279 hospitalizations and two deaths, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). Most Michigan exposures occurred in late June or early July.
Nationally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that since May 1 there have been more than 22,000 reported cases across 47 states. The CDC data show at least 10,468 laboratory-confirmed cases (including 423 hospitalizations) and about 12,255 additional reports that are pending confirmation or further analysis.
Why Officials Have Relaxed the Advisory
MDHHS said the majority of contaminated produce is "likely" no longer available to consumers, and new cases and related emergency-department visits are declining. The department has lifted its previous recommendation to avoid bagged salad mixes.
"Since the start of this outbreak, MDHHS has remained committed to providing timely, transparent information and clear recommendations to Michigan residents," said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, MDHHS chief medical executive. "As new data has emerged, our guidance has evolved to reflect the best available evidence, helping ensure that prevention recommendations are accurate, actionable and responsive to the changing situation."
What Consumers Should Do
- Avoid any products included in the Taylor Farms recall.
- Continue to rinse fruits and vegetables under running water; do not use soap or bleach on produce.
- Wash hands, cutting boards and food-preparation surfaces frequently.
- Seek medical attention if you develop persistent watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, fatigue or unexplained weight loss; cyclosporiasis is diagnosed by laboratory testing and typically treated with prescription antibiotics.
Health officials emphasize that while the immediate risk from the recalled iceberg lettuce appears to have diminished, consumers should remain vigilant about recalled foods and good kitchen hygiene. The CDC continues to investigate other cyclosporiasis outbreaks nationwide that are not related to this nine-state event.
Photo: Lettuce is stocked in the produce section at a grocery store chain in Minneapolis, July 31, 2026.
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