Taco Bell visits plunge 19% after cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to lettuce

Published Jul 20, 07:36 PM UTC

Taco Bell experienced a 19% drop in customer visits on July 17, 2026, compared to its average Friday traffic, following a cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to its lettuce. The broader fast-food sector saw only a 1.9% decline. Parent company Yum! Brands lost about $4.3 billion in market value, with shares falling 10% since July 10. Over 1,600 cases have been attributed to Taco Bell restaurants across five states. The FDA initially identified Taylor Farms' shredded lettuce as the probable source but later reported a false positive test, though supply chain evidence remains. The CDC expects cases to rise through August. Yum! Brands, along with Sweetgreen and a major McDonald's franchisee, had previously warned investors about cyclosporiasis risk in SEC filings. Yum! Brands is set to release earnings on July 30.