Taco Bell was crushing itthen cyclosporiasis hit

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Set us as preferred Taco Bell was sitting solidly in the sweet spot for fast food in troubled times.The Irvine-based chain had developed a menu that was affordable enough for consumers worried about inflation and also fun enough for those looking for more than just hamburgers and pizza.

Its sales and stock price were soaring.Then came cyclosporiasis.

A massive parasitic outbreak has taken Taco Bell down a peg, and now it has to rebuild its momentum.“The brand has seen a meaningful near-term sales impact,” said Chris Turner, chief executive of Taco Bell’s owner Yum Brands, on an earnings call Thursday.

“Our teams are acting quickly and transparently while keeping the safety and well-being of our consumers as the top priority.”Unfortunately for Taco Bell, it has become one of the biggest names associated with the outbreak.Last month, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced that shredded lettuce served at Taco Bell in five states was the source of more than 1,600 cyclosporiasis infections.

In comparison, an E.coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s in 2024 infected around 100 people.

In 2010, a salmonella outbreak tied to Taco Bell sickened 155 people.California As the number of cyclosporiasis cases grows, experts share tips on how to safely consume produce.Still, on Thursday, the company reported same-store sales increased 7% in the second quarter, marking the ninth consecutive quarter of same-store sales growth that outpaced industry averages.

Yum Brands, which also owns KFC and Habit Burger and Grill, saw operating profits increase 5% to $655 million year over year.Caused by the parasite cyclospora, cyclosporiasis can cause diarrhea, fatigue, cramping and weight loss.

More than 90 people have been hospitalized as a result of the outbreak in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia.How ...