Cyclospora: Free, Confidential Case Review — No Fee Unless We Recover for You

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Cyclospora cayetanensis Food Poisoning at Taco Bell: Do You Have a Legal Claim?

Federal and state health officials have traced a nationwide Cyclospora food poisoning outbreak to the Cyclospora parasite in shredded iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms de Mexico and served at Taco Bell locations across the country between mid-May and mid-July 2026.

If you ate Taco Bell during that period, developed symptoms of Cyclospora infection, were never properly diagnosed, or need help understanding whether you have a personal injury claim, this page explains what happened, which states reported illnesses, the symptoms tied to the outbreak, who may qualify to file a lawsuit, and how AMA Law can help.

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• 7,000 Confirmed & suspected cases nationwide
• 30+ States with reported illnesses
• 94+People hospitalized

For many victims, Cyclospora has meant severe digestive illness, missed work, medical bills, and a confusing path to answers while thousands were sickened nationwide. If you believe this outbreak affected you or your family, AMA Law offers free case reviews and legal representation to pursue compensation.

What happened

How a single farm’s lettuce reached restaurants in at least six states

Mid-May – Mid-July 2026

People across multiple states begin falling ill with watery diarrhea and other symptoms consistent with cyclosporiasis after eating at Taco Bell locations, as investigators track a cyclospora infection tied to Cyclospora cayetanensis, the parasite that causes cyclosporiasis infection.

July 16–17, 2026

The CDC and FDA confirm shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico was linked to the reported illnesses as they investigated outbreaks linked to contaminated food sources. The Oklahoma State Department of Health separately confirms at least 50+ cases of Cyclosporiasis in the state – see the live Oklahoma case count tracker on Oklahoma.gov

July 17, 2026

Taylor Farms voluntarily pulls the affected iceberg lettuce from the U.S. market, and Taco Bell removes it from restaurants nationwide. By this point, nearly 7,000 confirmed and suspected cases have been reported across the country.

Ongoing

The first lawsuits against Taco Bell and its franchisees have already been filed in Michigan and Ohio federal courts. More people are expected to come forward as the investigation continues.

States with reported illness: 

• Michigan

• Ohio

• Indiana
• Kentucky
• West Virginia
• Oklahoma

What cyclosporiasis looks like: symptoms such as watery diarrhea

1. Watery diarrhea: The hallmark symptom, caused by an infection of the small intestine; it can be severe in some cases and may last several days or, if untreated, several weeks.
2. Stomach cramps & nausea: Frequently paired with bloating, low-grade fever, and general GI distress; older adults and immunocompromised people face increased risk of severe illness.
3. Fatigue: A persistent, heavy tiredness that doesn’t resolve with rest.
4. Loss of appetite & weight loss: Reduced desire to eat, sometimes leading to noticeable weight loss.
5. Delayed onset: Symptoms typically begin about a week after exposure, but can appear anywhere from 2 days to 2 weeks later.
6. Missed testing: Standard stool panels often miss Cyclospora unless specifically requested.

You may have a claim if this sounds like you

✓ You ate at a Taco Bell location between mid-May and mid-July 2026

✓ If you are experiencing symptoms after eating at Taco Bell, contact a healthcare provider

✓ You were tested and diagnosed with Cyclospora, or your symptoms match the outbreak profile and required treatment

✓ You missed work, were hospitalized, or had ongoing medical costs

Do you qualify? Routine stool tests often don’t screen for Cyclospora, so many people never receive a formal diagnosis. If your symptoms and timeline match the outbreak, you may still have a claim even if testing was missed or you were infected without a confirmed lab result, and it’s still worth a free review.

Real data. Real advocacy. Real results.

1. We build the record: We track outbreak data, medical timelines, and case volume closely so your claim is grounded in the facts as they develop — not guesswork. Cyclospora is transmitted through contaminated food or water, not usually from person to person; humans are the only known reservoir, and a person sheds the parasite in feces in a non-infectious form before it becomes infectious. Many outbreaks involve contaminated fresh produce, including produce such as fruits and vegetables, and can also involve contaminated water or consuming food that was contaminated. For public health protection, wash hands, wash raw fruits and vegetables thoroughly, avoid contaminated food or water, and cook food to safe temperatures.
2. No cost unless you recover: Your case review is free, and you owe nothing unless we win compensation on your behalf.
3. You’re not just a case number: You’ll have direct access to your legal team throughout, with honest updates on where things stand.

What people ask us first: how to diagnose cyclosporiasis

I was never officially diagnosed with Cyclospora. Can I still have a claim? Possibly. Many routine stool tests don’t screen for Cyclospora unless specifically ordered, so a formal lab diagnosis isn’t always in the picture. Routine stool panels may also miss it, so a healthcare provider may need to request specific testing if symptoms continue. If your symptoms, timeline, and the restaurant you visited line up with the outbreak, it’s worth talking to us.

• Do I have to have been hospitalized to qualify?

No. Hospitalization can strengthen a claim, but missed work, ongoing medical bills, and prolonged illness can all matter, even without a hospital stay. This illness is found around the world, and public health investigations often focus on produce sources linked to outbreaks.

• What does the free case review actually involve?

A short conversation about when and where you ate, what symptoms you had, and any medical care you received. It’s not a commitment to hire us — it’s how we figure out together whether you have a claim worth pursuing.

• How much does it cost to work with AMA Law?

Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency basis, which means we only get paid if we recover compensation for you

If you think this is you, don’t wait to find out.

Get My Free Case Review

AMA Law

Adler Markoff and Associates (AMA Law) is an Oklahoma City personal injury firm that’s helped clients recover more than $200 million. For 30 years, AMA Law’s team has been ranked on 405 magazine for three consecutive years as top attorneys in Oklahoma, due to its reputation for staying closely in touch with clients.