Overview
On 17 July 2026, Wendy’s Co. and Chipotle Mexican Grill issued statements that none of their restaurant locations were affected by the cyclosporiasis outbreak currently being investigated by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The outbreak has been linked to shredded iceberg lettuce served at certain Taco Bell restaurants, which are owned by Yum Brands, Inc.
Investigation Focus
The CDC and FDA investigations centre on iceberg lettuce imported from Mexico. Wendy’s confirmed that its supply chain does not include Mexican‑origin iceberg lettuce, and Chipotle clarified that it does not serve shredded iceberg lettuce at any of its outlets, using only romaine lettuce and a Supergreens salad mix sourced outside Mexico.
Outbreak Impact
According to FDA data cited by the CDC, 1,644 individuals across five states—Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia—have reported exposure to the contaminated product. The parasitic illness, cyclosporiasis, can cause diarrhoea and other gastrointestinal symptoms.
Regulatory and Operational Response
The FDA announced that Taco Bell will cease using lettuce from the supplier identified in the investigation. Taco Bell had already voluntarily removed the affected ingredient and pledged to replace it within 24 hours in the states where exposure was reported. The Washington Post reported that California‑based supplier Taylor Farms was identified by investigators as a potential source of contamination, although neither the FDA nor Taco Bell officially named the supplier.
Conclusion
Both Wendy’s and Chipotle assert that their operations remain unaffected, emphasizing that their respective lettuce sourcing practices do not involve the product under investigation. No further operational changes were disclosed by either company.