Yum Brands, the parent company of Taco Bell, was reportedly aware of a Cyclospora parasitic outbreak and its potential link to some Taco Bell locations approximately two weeks before the fast-food chain alerted customers.
According to a report from Bloomberg, which obtained documents via a public records request, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services officials contacted Yum Brands on July 2 regarding the outbreak. The officials subsequently sent a follow-up email inquiring about interventions or notifications that could be taken to mitigate future cases. Around the same period, Taco Bell was already facing media inquiries concerning the Cyclospora-infected lettuce.
Michigan state epidemiologist Sarah Lyon-Callo reportedly expressed the need for continued collaboration, noting a strong signal from epidemiological interviews despite the company not having received customer complaints or reporting staff illnesses at that time.
On July 6, Michigan officials requested documents from Taco Bell and Yum Brands related to the outbreak, emphasizing the need for timely information to protect public health. The following day, July 7, local Detroit media began reporting on signs posted outside some Taco Bell locations stating that lettuce, cilantro onion, pico de gallo, and guacamole were unavailable due to a nationwide recall, though neither Taco Bell nor Yum Brands had publicly confirmed such a recall, nor had the CDC or state officials requested one. These signs fueled public speculation connecting the outbreak to Taco Bell.
Taco Bell publicly confirmed on July 14 that it was removing certain items from its menus due to the outbreak. This announcement came 12 days after Yum Brands and Taco Bell were first alerted to the potential impact on some of their restaurants. Four days later, and more than two weeks after the initial contact with state officials, Taco Bell issued an online apology acknowledging the removal of Taylor Farms lettuce and produce from its locations and encouraging customers to return.
The Cyclospora outbreak has affected over 6,707 individuals across 45 states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Investigations into other potential sources for the outbreak are ongoing in the United States. At least two individuals with pre-existing health conditions have reportedly died as a result of the parasite.