Federal health officials have linked a significant cyclosporiasis outbreak to shredded lettuce served at Taco Bell. Cyclosporiasis is an illness caused by a parasite transmitted through contaminated food or water.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have identified shredded iceberg lettuce as the source of this outbreak. The affected Taco Bell locations are in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia.
The CDC advises consumers to avoid eating shredded lettuce from Taco Bell restaurants in these states.
Two unnamed federal officials revealed that Taylor Farms supplied the lettuce to Taco Bell. Taylor Farms is one of the largest fresh produce suppliers in the U.S. Their products, including bagged lettuce and salad kits, are sold at major grocery stores like Safeway, Whole Foods, Target, and Walmart.
Taylor Farms stated that none of their branded salads or kits are linked to the outbreak. Additionally, they noted that their products do not contain iceberg lettuce. As a precaution, they are voluntarily removing iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) mentioned on Thursday that more brands, restaurants, retailers, or distribution channels might become part of the ongoing investigation into cyclosporiasis outbreaks across the U.S.
Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, head of Michigan’s health department, advises consumers to be cautious about the source of lettuce, whether at home or dining out. The investigation into the outbreak remains ongoing.
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