Taco Bell Sales Recover After Cyclosporiasis Outbreak Dip

Taco Bell reported that sales returned to normal levels in October 2026 after a 4 percent decline during the third quarter. The dip followed a cyclosporiasis outbreak that was declared over in September.

To mitigate the impact of the illness, the company temporarily removed lettuce from its menu and introduced promotional pricing on other items. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention initially linked the outbreak to lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms, but the agency later determined that result was a false positive and has not identified the exact cause of the illness.

Taco Bell credited its recovery to the return of the Decades Menu, which featured legacy items such as the Gordita Supreme. The company now plans to prioritize affordability through the introduction of its Luxe Menu and Luxe Cravings Boxes.