Taco Bell Responds to Cyclospora Outbreak by Removing Iceberg Lettuce

Taco Bell is taking action after a cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce from a single supplier. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) urge customers to avoid shredded iceberg lettuce at Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia. Officials analyzed 190 cyclospora cases in Michigan, with most patients reporting they had eaten iceberg lettuce at Taco Bell. More than 1,644 people fell ill in this multi-state outbreak starting May 13, with 94 requiring hospitalization but no deaths reported.

Tracing the Source

The FDA identified a supplier from Mexico as the source of contaminated iceberg lettuce in these cases but didn’t disclose the supplier’s name. They are collaborating with the supplier to find other affected distribution sites, considering this outbreak is part of a large cluster epidemiologically linked. Cyclospora cases have been found in 34 states, with certain locations possibly related to the same lettuce supplier.

The Associated Press mentioned Taylor Farms as the supplier, though NPR has not substantiated this information, and Taylor Farms has not commented yet. Several companies, including Taylor Farms, largely control the bagged lettuce and salad market in the U.S. It’s possible additional cyclospora clusters nationwide could connect to this supplier, alongside potential involvement from other suppliers.

Taco Bell’s Response

In a July 16 statement, Taco Bell disclosed it voluntarily removed the possibly contaminated lettuce from some suppliers in identified states and promised to eliminate it from their supply chain nationwide within 24 hours.

Preventive Measures

Symptoms of cyclosporiasis include watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, and fatigue. These result from consuming contaminated food or water. To prevent infection, the CDC recommends following standard food safety handling practices:

• Thoroughly wash hands and fresh produce under running water before consumption, cutting, or cooking.
• Cook food to at least 158°F (70°C) to kill the parasite effectively.

Dr. Gwen Biggerstaff from the CDC advises individuals experiencing symptoms to consult their healthcare providers for cyclospora testing since routine stool tests often overlook this parasite. Affected people should stay well-hydrated and refrain from preparing food for others while symptomatic, as a precaution, although person-to-person spread is rare.