Updated August 11, 2026: According to Michigan outbreak data, the state now reports 13,909 cyclosporiasis cases, including 314 people who said they were hospitalized. The Michigan Department of Health & Human Services (MDHHS) has also identified two deaths associated with the outbreak.
The federal investigation originally focused on people who ate at Taco Bell, but it is now broader. It includes people who were exposed to recalled Taylor Farms de Mexico iceberg lettuce through Taco Bell or other restaurant, retail or food-service channels.
Public health officials say the lettuce involved in the multistate outbreak came from growers in central Mexico. FDA’s investigation notes that a border sample initially reported as positive for Cyclospora was later determined to be a false positive. That correction did not change the recall or the direction of the investigation. FDA says interviews with sick people and records tracing where the lettuce was grown and distributed continue to point to shredded iceberg lettuce supplied through Taylor Farms.
Michigan’s outbreak is larger than the federally defined lettuce-linked outbreak. MDHHS says lettuce or salad greens may be one source, but investigators have not ruled out other foods. No single produce item, grower or supplier has been identified as the source of every Michigan case.
Do You Need a Cyclospora Lawyer?
Rapidly Growing Outbreak in Michigan
Michigan’s publicly reported Cyclospora total rose from more than 170 cases on June 30 to 12,485 cases on August 13.
- More than 170 cases as of June 30
- 572 on July 4
- 992 on July 8
- 1,251 on July 9
- 1,562 on July 10
- 2,640 on July 13
- 3,309 on July 14
- 3,762 on July 15
- 4,312 on July 16
- 5,002 on July 17
- 6,148 on July 20
- 6,571 on July 21
- 7,171 on July 22
- 7,664 on July 23
- 8,176 on July 24
- 9,253 on July 27
- 9,680 on July 28
- 10,077 on July 29
- 10,386 on July 30
- 10,773 on July 31
- 11,234 on August 3
- 11,508 on August 4
- 12,218 on August 5
- 12,485 on August 6
- 13,909 on August 13
MDHHS now updates the total case count, hospitalization status and detailed outbreak data weekly on Thursdays.
Some Michigan Cases are Part of a 15-State Lettuce Outbreak
Federal investigators have now linked some Michigan cases to a broader multistate Cyclospora outbreak. CDC reports 6,358 illnesses in 15 states: Arkansas, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. At least 278 people have been hospitalized, and two deaths have been reported in Michigan.
The investigation originally focused on people who reported eating at Taco Bell. After additional interviews, federal agencies expanded the outbreak to include people who reported exposure either at Taco Bell or to recalled Taylor Farms de Mexico iceberg lettuce through other channels. Not everyone included in the 6,358-case outbreak ate at Taco Bell.
That does not mean every Cyclospora case in Michigan came from the recalled lettuce. CDC is investigating other Cyclospora outbreaks and illnesses that are separate from this multistate outbreak.
Quick Facts About This Michigan Cyclospora Outbreak
- Michigan cases: According to Michigan outbreak data, 13,909 illnesses were reported as of August 13, 2026.
- Michigan hospitalizations: 314 people reported that they had been hospitalized.
- Michigan deaths: Two deaths have been reported. Both became ill before the July 17 lettuce recall.
- Michigan outbreak source: Lettuce or salad greens are a possible source, but investigators have not ruled out other foods. MDHHS has not identified one food, grower or supplier as the source of every Michigan case.
- Lettuce-linked outbreak: The CDC outbreak update includes 6,358 illnesses in 15 states linked to recalled Taylor Farms de Mexico iceberg lettuce. The outbreak includes 278 hospitalizations and two deaths in Michigan. These cases are only part of the larger number of Cyclospora illnesses reported in Michigan.
- U.S. Cyclospora cases: According to CDC surveillance data, 13,895 laboratory-confirmed cases were acquired in the United States since May 1, 2026. Those cases were reported in 47 states and include 740 hospitalizations and two deaths. CDC is also reviewing more than 10,455 additional reports.
- Iceberg lettuce recall: Taylor Farms de Mexico recalled iceberg lettuce from central Mexico. FDA says people in the lettuce-linked outbreak were exposed through Taco Bell and other restaurant, retail and food-service channels.
- Michigan salad guidance: MDHHS no longer recommends that residents avoid all bagged salad mixes. People may return to normal produce-safety practices but should still avoid recalled lettuce.
- FDA testing correction: FDA says a border sample that was first reported as positive for Cyclospora was later found to be a false positive. FDA says that correction did not change the other evidence linking the outbreak to the recalled lettuce.
North Carolina is also reporting elevated cyclosporiasis activity, but NCDHHS says its 906-case increase does not currently appear connected to this Taco Bell/lettuce outbreak. Parsley, cilantro and lettuce are recurring in North Carolina interviews, with no confirmed source.
Michigan Interviews Point to Multiple Ways People May Have Been Exposed
MDHHS says it has interviewed more than 2,900 people affected by the Michigan outbreak. Many did not report eating lettuce at a chain restaurant or another food establishment. Even so, lettuce appeared frequently in food questionnaires from people who did not report restaurant or fast-food exposure.
MDHHS says this pattern is consistent with contaminated produce reaching multiple destinations, including grocery stores, restaurants, and fast-food chains. The agency has found no indication that poor food handling or preparation at one restaurant or chain caused the broader Michigan outbreak. People who tested positive should tell health officials and a Cyclospora lawyer about all lettuce, salad, grocery, restaurant, workplace, catered, and delivery-food exposures during the 14 days before symptoms began.
Taylor Farms Lettuce Recall
FDA’s current outbreak advisory says Taylor Fresh Foods distributed recalled foodservice iceberg lettuce from June 29 through July 16 to 28 states: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and Wisconsin.
Recalled Marketside products were sold at select Walmart stores in 15 states, including Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia. FDA also says Taco Bell restaurants that received recalled lettuce were located in at least 13 states: Arkansas, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. The recalled lettuce was also sold in Mexico.
CDC says the recalled products should no longer be available in stores or restaurants because their Best If Used By dates have passed. However, anyone who still has recalled lettuce at home should not eat it. CDC recommends throwing it away or returning it to the place of purchase.
Walmart Marketside Lettuce Recall
The recall includes Marketside bagged lettuce sold at select Walmart stores in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia:
- Marketside Iceberg Salad, 12-ounce and 24-ounce bags, with Best If Used By dates from July 18 through August 3, 2026.
- Marketside Shredded Lettuce, 8-ounce and 16-ounce bags, with Best If Used By dates from July 18 through August 3, 2026.
Consumers should not eat recalled lettuce. The complete FDA recall notice lists additional foodservice products, lot codes, use-by dates, and disposal instructions.
Previous Outbreaks Linked to Taylor Farms Produce
Taylor Farms is based in Salinas, CA, and operates multiple facilities in the U.S. and Mexico. Locations include: Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, Tennessee, Texas, and Mexico. This is the fourth major multistate food poisoning outbreak linked to Taylor Farms produce since 2013.
2024 Fatal McDonald’s E. coli Outbreak
In 2024, a fatal E. coli outbreak linked to slivered onions on McDonald’s Quarter Pounder hamburgers caused 104 illnesses and one death. Thirty-four people were hospitalized, four of them with hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a life-threatening complication of E. coli infections that causes kidney failure.
Taylor Farms, a McDonald’s supplier, issued a recall for onions produced at its Colorado facility on October 24, 2024. FDA inspectors found multiple food safety violations at the plant where the onions were produced.
2015 Costco Chicken Salad E. coli Outbreak
In 2015, an E. coli outbreak linked to Costco chicken salad sickened 19 people in seven states. Five people were hospitalized, two of them with HUS.
The Montana Public Health Laboratory tested a sample of celery and onion diced blend produced by Taylor Farms Pacific, Inc., and collected from a Costco store in Montana, and the results indicated the presence of E. coli O157:H7. The product was used to make the Costco rotisserie chicken salad. Further laboratory analysis by the FDA was unable to confirm the presence of E. coli O157:H7 in the sample of celery and onion diced blend. But on November 26, 2015, Taylor Farms Pacific, Inc., recalled the celery and onion diced blend for possible E. coli O157:H7.
2013 Cyclospora Outbreak at Olive Garden and Red Lobster
In 2013, bagged salad mix produced by Taylor Farms de Mexico and served at Olive Garden and Red Lobster restaurants caused 239 illnesses. Different food sources caused 400 more cases in 23 other states that summer, the first year Cyclospora made an appearance as the source of a major, non-travel-related foodborne outbreak in the U.S.
Taylor Farms de Mexico suspended operations for two weeks while the FDA investigated. The company received permission from the agency to restart after agreeing to implement a comprehensive Cyclospora sampling program for leafy greens and other products from their farms and processing facility in Mexico. The program was also supposed to include water sampling and continued monitoring of the sanitary conditions at the facilities
What is Cyclospora?
Cyclospora is a parasite native to tropical climates that causes illness when people consume food or water contaminated with human feces containing it. Outbreaks are frequently associated with fresh produce.
Humans are the only known species that the parasite Cyclospora infects. In the U.S., non-travel-related cases are frequently linked to imported produce. Previous Cyclospora outbreaks have been linked to bagged salad, cilantro, basil, snow peas, and berries.
What are the Symptoms of a Cyclospora Infection?
Symptoms of a Cyclospora infection, called cyclosporiasis, usually appear within 1 to 14 days of exposure. They can seem to improve and then return, making it hard for people to work, travel, care for children, attend school, or keep up with daily responsibilities. Without treatment, cyclosporiasis symptoms can last for months.
They include:
- Frequent bouts of watery, sometimes explosive diarrhea.
- Loss of appetite, weight loss
- Stomach cramps or abdominal pain
- Bloating and increased gas
- Nausea
- Fatigue that can be severe
- Vomiting, body aches, headache, or low-grade fever in some patients
Usually, these infections are not life-threatening, but dehydration from symptoms can cause severe illness, especially among children, seniors, and those with weakened immune systems.
How is Cyclosporiasis Diagnosed and Treated?
Diagnosis usually requires a stool sample. If you have sudden, ongoing diarrhea and may be part of the Michigan outbreak, tell your healthcare provider about the outbreak and ask whether Cyclospora testing should be ordered. Some stool tests do not automatically look for Cyclospora unless the provider or laboratory specifically considers it.
The CDC’s clinical care guidance states that trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, often called TMP-SMX, is the treatment of choice. Treatment decisions belong to your healthcare provider, especially if you have medication allergies, pregnancy concerns, immune system issues, dehydration, kidney disease, or other medical risks.
People at higher risk of dehydration or serious illness, including young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems, should be especially careful about prolonged diarrhea and fluid loss.
What Should You Do if You Develop Symptoms of Cyclosporiasis?
If you think you may be part of this outbreak, take these steps now:
- Get medical care and testing. Tell your provider about the Michigan Cyclospora outbreak and ask whether stool testing for Cyclospora is appropriate. Standard parasite testing may not include Cyclospora, and the MDHHS provider bulletin advises providers to ensure the stool order specifically targets Cyclospora.
- Report a positive diagnosis. If you test positive, make sure the health department is notified. Public health interviews help investigators find the source.
- Write a food history. List produce, salads, herbs, berries you ate at home, restaurants, catered meals, workplace meals, school or event meals, and travel during the two weeks before symptoms began.
- Save purchase records. Keep receipts, grocery receipts, loyalty-card records, delivery-app orders, restaurant receipts, credit-card statements, photos of packaging, product labels, and store notices. If you ate at Taco Bell or another restaurant, save the exact location, date, time, menu items, app order, payment record, and any photograph of a posted ingredient notice.
- Save medical and wage records. Keep bills, prescription receipts, discharge papers, messages with providers, missed-work records, and notes about symptom days.
- Talk to a Cyclospora attorney early. Evidence can disappear quickly in produce cases. A lawyer can help identify stores, suppliers, restaurants, and records that may connect your illness to the outbreak.
What Happened in the Michigan Cyclospora Outbreak?
MDHHS announced the outbreak on July 1 after more than 170 cases were reported during the preceding nine days. Michigan typically identifies about 40 to 50 cyclosporiasis cases during an entire year. The total reached 12,485 by August 6.
Detailed Michigan data updated July 30 show cases in 71 counties. The highest reported totals are Wayne County with 1,794 cases, Oakland with 1,344, Washtenaw with 1,028, Ingham with 880, Genesee with 598, Muskegon with 511, Shiawassee with 475 and Livingston with 438.
CDC reports 13,895 laboratory-confirmed domestically acquired cases in 47 states since May 1, including 740 hospitalizations and two deaths. CDC is also reviewing at least 10,455 additional reports that are not laboratory confirmed or require more investigation. Many of those additional reports came from Michigan.
Michigan and CDC use different definitions and reporting schedules. The Michigan total should not be added to CDC’s confirmed count or its additional reports because the datasets overlap. Within that broader picture, federal investigators identify a narrower outbreak linked to recalled Taylor Farms de Mexico iceberg lettuce and reported Taco Bell exposure.
Federal Lettuce-Linked Outbreak Now Includes 15 States
CDC and FDA now report 6,358 illnesses in 15 states in the Cyclospora outbreak linked to recalled Taylor Farms de Mexico iceberg lettuce. Arkansas, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire and North Carolina were added to the nine states previously listed. At least 278 people have been hospitalized, and two deaths have been reported in Michigan.
Federal investigators are now counting people who reported exposure to either Taco Bell or recalled iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico. That means the outbreak is no longer limited to people who ate at Taco Bell.
What Other States are Reporting Surges in Cyclospora Infections?
Cyclospora activity is increasing well beyond Michigan. CDC reports 13,895 laboratory-confirmed domestically acquired cases in 47 states since May 1, including 740 hospitalizations and two deaths. CDC is also reviewing at least 10,455 additional reports. The agency estimates a reporting lag of about six weeks, so the totals are expected to rise.
The national surveillance total includes the multistate iceberg-lettuce outbreak along with other clusters and individual illnesses. It does not mean all confirmed cases came from Taylor Farms lettuce or Taco Bell.
Can I Sue if I got Cyclospora in the Michigan Outbreak?
Yes, a Cyclospora lawsuit may be possible if evidence connects your diagnosed illness to contaminated food sold or served by a company. Pritzker Hageman has a detailed guide on suing for Cyclospora food poisoning from produce, and the same evidence principles apply here: a confirmed diagnosis, proof of exposure to the implicated food, and documented damages.
For the 15-state Taco Bell outbreak, public health agencies have identified an implicated food category, a recall, and a traced supply route. A potential Cyclospora lawsuit still depends on the patient’s diagnosis, exposure history, timing, restaurant or grocery records, medical evidence, and the facts connecting the illness to a legally responsible company. Michigan’s broader investigation may include illnesses from other sources. Patients should preserve Taco Bell orders, other restaurant receipts, grocery and loyalty records, packaging, payment records, health-department communications, medical test results, and wage-loss information before those records disappear.
Depending on the facts, potential defendants in a Cyclospora case can include produce growers, packing houses, processors, distributors, grocery stores, restaurants, caterers, institutional foodservice companies, or others in the supply chain. Read more about grocery store Cyclospora claims and restaurant food poisoning lawsuits.
How Can Our Lawyers Help You?
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What Damages Can a Cyclospora Lawsuit Include?
A food poisoning claim can seek compensation for the harm caused by the illness. Depending on the facts, damages may include:
- Medical bills and out-of-pocket healthcare costs
- Prescription expenses and follow-up care
- Lost wages or lost business income
- Travel costs and other expenses caused by the illness
- Pain, suffering, fatigue, and loss of normal life
- Wrongful death damages if a foodborne illness leads to death
The value of a case depends on evidence, diagnosis, length and severity of illness, medical treatment, wage loss, long-term effects, and whether investigators can link the illness to a legally responsible company.
Why Hire Pritzker Hageman Food Safety Lawyers for Your Cyclospora Outbreak Case?
Pritzker Hageman’s Cyclospora lawyers have represented clients in major Cyclospora outbreaks linked to restaurants, grocery stores, salad, vegetable trays, herbs, and other fresh produce. The firm’s food safety team has handled claims involving outbreaks linked to McDonald’s salads, Del Monte vegetable trays sold at Kwik Trip and other retailers, Taylor Farms/Darden restaurant salad, fresh basil, and other produce vehicles.
Our food poisoning attorneys work with epidemiologists, microbiologists, and traceback experts. We look for the evidence that links a person’s diagnosis to a contaminated food source: testing, interviews, purchase records, lot codes, distribution records, supplier data, and government findings.
Pritzker Hageman has a national food poisoning practice and can help clients who were sickened while traveling, eating at chain restaurants, buying food from multi-state grocery retailers, or attending events. For a free consultation, call 1-888-377-8900, text 612-261-0856, or contact Pritzker Hageman online. We are not paid unless we win.
How to Reduce the Risk of Getting Sick
MDHHS now says Michigan residents may resume routine guidance for consuming lettuce and salad greens because new case reports and diarrhea-related emergency department visits are declining. The broad precautionary recommendation to avoid bagged salad mixes is no longer in effect.
MDHHS says the outbreak data suggest that most exposures occurred in late June to early July and that the majority of the contaminated produce is likely no longer available for consumption. The state continues to recommend avoiding recalled Taylor Farms de Mexico iceberg lettuce.
Washing recalled lettuce does not make it safe to eat. Cyclospora can cling tightly to produce, and common cleaning methods such as vinegar, soap, chlorine and commercial produce washes do not destroy the parasite. Methods that do not destroy Cyclospora include several approaches consumers may assume would make contaminated produce safe.
How Public Health Interviews Can Help Identify the Source
Cyclospora investigations can be difficult because many people eat several fresh produce items during the exposure window. Health departments compare food histories from many patients to look for common products, brands, stores, restaurants, events, distributors, or suppliers. A single person’s food history may not identify the source, but many interviews together can point investigators in the right direction.
MDHHS now says it has interviewed more than 2,900 affected people. Many did not report eating lettuce at a restaurant chain or other food establishment. Lettuce still appeared often in questionnaires from people without restaurant or fast-food exposure, which supports investigating grocery stores and other foodservice channels in addition to Taco Bell. Before a health-department interview, review grocery receipts, loyalty-card records, restaurant and delivery-app orders, photographs, calendars, workplace or catered meals, and travel during the two weeks before symptoms began. These details may help investigators connect illnesses to a shared product or distribution route.
Michigan Cyclospora outbreak FAQ
A source has been identified for a subset of illnesses. CDC and FDA link a 15-state outbreak involving 6,358 illnesses to recalled Taylor Farms de Mexico iceberg lettuce. Michigan’s broader 13,909-case investigation may include illnesses from other sources, and MDHHS has not identified one produce type, grower or supplier as the source of every Michigan case.
Detailed MDHHS data updated August 6 list the highest totals in Wayne County with 2,029 cases, Oakland County with 1,499, Washtenaw County with 1,093 and Ingham County with 915.
Yes, but the federal outbreak is no longer limited to people who reported eating at Taco Bell. CDC and FDA now include people who reported exposure either to Taco Bell or to recalled Taylor Farms de Mexico iceberg lettuce. The finding does not apply to every Taco Bell location or every Michigan case.
Yes. CDC and FDA report 6,358 illnesses in 15 states, including Michigan, with 278 hospitalizations and two deaths. The 15 states are Arkansas, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.
Yes. The Taylor Fresh Foods recall includes Marketside Iceberg Salad in 12-ounce and 24-ounce bags and Marketside Shredded Lettuce in 8-ounce and 16-ounce bags, with Best If Used By dates through August 3, 2026. The listed dates have passed, but anyone who still has recalled product at home should not eat it. Additional foodservice products are also included.
The most common symptom is watery diarrhea, often frequent and sometimes explosive. Other symptoms can include loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramps, bloating, gas, nausea, fatigue, vomiting, body aches, headache, and low-grade fever.
Symptoms usually begin about one week after exposure, but they can start anywhere within 1 to 14 days of exposure.
Direct person-to-person spread is unlikely because Cyclospora generally needs time in the environment after leaving the body before it becomes infectious. Food or water contamination is the usual concern in outbreaks.
If you have sudden, ongoing diarrhea and may have been exposed in the Michigan outbreak, tell your provider about the outbreak and ask whether stool testing for Cyclospora is appropriate.
Cyclosporiasis is treated differently than most bacterial infections. Your healthcare provider should decide the right treatment based on your health history, medications, allergies, and symptoms.
A lawsuit may be possible if evidence connects a diagnosed illness to contaminated food sold or served by a company. Investigators have identified lettuce or salad greens as a potential source, but the particular product and supply chain remain unknown. Preserve evidence and seek legal guidance before purchase, ordering, supplier, and medical records disappear.
Save medical records, test results, receipts, loyalty-card records, delivery orders, restaurant receipts, photos of product labels, packaging, food histories, wage-loss records, and communications with health officials.
No. What matters is where and how you were exposed, whether you were diagnosed, and whether evidence links your illness to contaminated food sold or served by a responsible company. Travelers and out-of-state residents can still be part of an outbreak investigation, and contaminated food products may have been sold out of state, as well.
Call your healthcare provider for medical guidance, cooperate with your local health department, and contact Pritzker Hageman for a free legal consultation at 1-888-377-8900 or by text at 612-261-0856. You can also use our online contact form.
Related Pritzker Hageman Resources
- Can I Sue For Cyclospora Food Poisoning From Produce?
- Summertime is Peak Season for Cyclospora
- Bagged Salad Cyclospora Outbreak Ends With 701 Sick
- Cyclospora Parasite Poses Seasonal Threat to Fresh Produce
- First Iowa McDonald’s Cyclospora Lawsuit Filed by Pritzker Hageman Attorneys
- Taco Del GNAR Cyclospora Outbreak in Ridgway, CO
- Supply Chain Failure Led to Alabama Cyclospora Outbreak
- Iowa Salad Cyclospora Outbreak Hits ALDI, Hy-Vee, Jewel-Osco Shoppers
- Can I Sue a Grocery Store for Cyclospora?
- 5 Reasons to File a Cyclospora Lawsuit
- Cyclospora from Restaurant Food Drives Summer Case Total to 1,696
- Cyclospora Legal News Archive
Experienced Cyclospora Lawyers
If you or a family member were diagnosed with cyclosporiasis after eating fresh produce, salad, herbs, berries, grocery food, restaurant food, catered food, or foodservice meals in Michigan, Pritzker Hageman wants to help. Our lawyers can review your food history, purchase records, medical diagnosis, and potential outbreak connection.
Pritzker Hageman Cyclospora lawyers have represented clients sickened in every major Cyclospora outbreak in the U.S. To request a free consultation about your potential case, please call 1-888-377-8900, text 612-261-0856, or complete the form below.