Taco Bell removes items as cyclospora outbreak raises worker concerns

Taco Bell removed lettuce, pico de gallo, guacamole, cilantro and onions from some restaurants as cyclospora cases kept climbing, turning a public-health investigation into a day-to-day problem for crew members and shift leaders. The cuts were voluntary and temporary, and public-health officials have not tied the outbreak to Taco Bell or any specific ingredient, supplier, restaurant or retailer. For workers on the line, that means more substitutions, more guest questions and more pressure to keep the menu straight at the counter and drive-thru.

On July 15, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was working with state and federal partners on several cyclosporiasis outbreaks, with a large multistate outbreak underway in at least four Midwestern states. As of July 13, more than 400 people infected with Cyclospora had been reported from Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia and Kentucky, with symptoms reported on or after June 22. The CDC estimated the true number of sick people was likely higher and was investigating multiple additional clusters across the United States.

On Monday, July 13, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services had 2,640 reported cyclosporiasis cases, and current results pointed to lettuce or salad greens as a possible source. In some Detroit-area stores, customers were met with signs saying certain items were unavailable. All menu items were still available, but served without the named ingredients.

Yum Brands shares fell as much as 4.5% as federal and state health officials looked at whether lettuce served at Taco Bell could be associated with the outbreak. Restaurant outbreaks have hit investors before, including McDonald's cyclospora scrutiny in 2018 and the sales damage that followed Chipotle's earlier food-safety problems.

If ingredients are pulled from a store, the line has to know immediately and the shift lead has to be ready before the next rush.