local
Lettuce at Taco Bell in 5 states confirmed as a source of diarrhea-causing parasite
By Bill Barrow, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate)
· July 17, 2026
· 3 min read
Federal health officials have identified lettuce from Mexico served at Taco Bell locations across five U.S. states as a source of the widespread outbreak of diarrhea-causing parasite cyclospora.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention late Thursday warned consumers not to eat shredded icebe...
Key takeaway A record number of cyclospora cases have been reported in more than 30 states, and experts have said not every recent U.
Why this matters in The San Antonio
San Antonio residents who frequent Taco Bell should be aware that while the contaminated lettuce has been identified in five states, the investigation is ongoing and could potentially implicate other restaurants or suppliers in Texas. The fact that the lettuce was sourced from a California company and served in multiple states highlights the complex food supply chain and the potential for widespread outbreaks. As the CDC and FDA continue to monitor the situation, local health officials in Bexar County should be vigilant in tracking any potential cases of cyclospora infection in the area. Given the parasite's symptoms and the fact that it's typically treated with antibiotics, it's crucial for residents to be aware of the risks and take precautions when consuming lettuce from any restaurant or retailer. The city's health department should also be prepared to provide guidance and support to any residents who may have been affected by the outbreak.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . The San Antonio surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 17, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Federal health officials have identified lettuce from Mexico served at Taco Bell locations across five U.S. states as a source of the widespread outbreak of diarrhea-causing parasite cyclospora.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention late Thursday warned consumers not to eat shredded icebe...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 17, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) and curated for The San Antonio readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Bill Barrow, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate). To learn more about how The San Antonio selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The San Antonio, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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