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◉ Cyclospora Outbreak

Thousands Sick. Were You Hospitalized After Eating Lettuce?

The FDA traced this outbreak to a single supplier, and lawsuits have already been filed in Ohio, Michigan, and California. Nearly 9,500 people have been confirmed sick, 398 have been hospitalized, and two people in Michigan have died. If you or a family member were hospitalized with a confirmed Cyclospora infection after eating at Taco Bell or consuming recalled Taylor Farms or Marketside lettuce, you may be owed compensation.

Answer a few questions below to see if you qualify. It takes about two minutes, costs nothing, and there is no obligation.

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How were you exposed?
When did your symptoms first start?*
Were you diagnosed with Cyclospora (cyclosporiasis)?*

Do you have a receipt, bank statement, app order history, or photo of the packaging?*
Were you admitted to the hospital, or did the illness result in death?*
In which state did the exposure occur?*

Have you hired another attorney for this claim?*
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Legal Criteria

See If You Qualify
for Compensation

The following symptoms and circumstances may be important when determining whether you meet the criteria for a potential Cyclospora claim.

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Abdominal Pain & Cramping

Significant stomach pain, cramping, bloating, or discomfort

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Nausea or Vomiting

Ongoing nausea or episodes of vomiting

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Dehydration

Dehydration requiring medical attention, IV fluids, or hospitalization

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Weight Loss

Significant or unexplained weight loss following the infection

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Severe Diarrhea

Persistent or frequent watery diarrhea

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Prolonged Illness

Symptoms that continued for weeks or returned after initially improving

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Medical Treatment

Doctor visits, testing, prescription medication, emergency treatment, or hospitalization

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Lost Wages or Missed Work

Time away from work because of your illness or medical treatment.

Legal Criteria

It May Have Come From
Contaminated Food

Cyclospora is a parasite that can cause a gastrointestinal infection called cyclosporiasis. People can become infected by consuming food or water contaminated with the parasite.

The 2026 outbreak has resulted in thousands of confirmed illnesses. Federal investigators have been tracing cases through interviews, food histories, supply-chain records, and traceback investigations to determine where contamination occurred.

The Exposure

Contaminated Produce

The FDA and CDC identified iceberg lettuce as a potential vehicle in the major 2026 investigation. FDA traceback activities ultimately converged on iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico.

The Illness

Symptoms Can Last for Weeks

Cyclosporiasis can cause prolonged gastrointestinal illness. People may experience watery diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, fatigue, weight loss, and other symptoms. Some individuals require medical treatment or hospitalization.

The Impact

Thousands Have Been Affected

As of August 5, 2026, the FDA reported 6,358 illnesses, 278 hospitalizations, and 2 deaths associated with the multistate outbreak under investigation. The agency also cautions that the true number of sick people may be higher because some people recover without medical care or are never tested.

6,358 illnesses
278 hospitalizations
2 deaths

Current Outbreak & Legal Developments

6,358 Illnesses & Counting

Thousands of Reported Illnesses in a Growing Multistate Investigation

First Lawsuit Filed

July 17, 2026 · Mahoning County, Ohio

The first case in the nation was filed the same day Taylor Farms announced its recall, on behalf of a U.S. Army veteran who ate at a Youngstown Taco Bell on June 18 and June 20, developed severe symptoms within days, and was admitted to the hospital where lab results confirmed Cyclospora. The suit names Taco Bell, Taylor Farms, and the local franchise operator.

Proposed Class Actions

California, Florida, and Nationwide

Several proposed economic-loss class actions have been filed, largely in California federal courts where the defendants have offices. They allege the lettuce was adulterated under federal law, could not lawfully be sold, and was therefore worthless — that purchasers paid full price for food that had no lawful market value. Lead plaintiffs come from Florida, West Virginia, Kentucky, and other states.

6,358 Illnesses

Multistate Outbreak – FDA Update: August 5, 2026

The FDA reported 6,358 illnesses across 15 states, including at least 278 hospitalizations and 2 deaths. The agency said the investigation includes people who reported exposure to Taco Bell or recalled Taylor Farms de Mexico iceberg lettuce. Illnesses began as early as June 22, 2026, and continued through July 31.

278 Hospitalizations

Reported in the Federal Investigation

The FDA reported at least 278 hospitalizations associated with the outbreak. Two deaths were also reported in Michigan; the FDA noted that both individuals had significant underlying health conditions that may have been adversely affected by cyclosporiasis and dehydration.

Iceberg Lettuce

FDA Traceback Investigation – July/August 2026

FDA traceback activities ultimately traced the potentially contaminated product to central Mexico. Taylor Farms de Mexico voluntarily removed iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico from the U.S. market beginning July 17, 2026. The recalled products included certain Marketside-brand lettuce products sold at Walmart.

Taco Bell Exposure

Multistate Investigation – 2026

The initial outbreak investigation identified a connection between reported illnesses and shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell locations. As additional interviews were completed, the FDA expanded the investigation to include people who reported Taco Bell exposure or exposure to recalled Taylor Farms de Mexico iceberg lettuce.