Lettuce at Taco Bell in five states linked to cyclospora outbreak
7 reported2 unconfirmed
Federal health officials have identified lettuce from Mexico served at Taco Bell locations across five U.S. states as a source of a widespread outbreak of the diarrhea-causing parasite cyclospora. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warned consumers not to eat shredded iceberg lettuce from Taco Bell restaurants in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia. A Food and Drug Administration investigation identified a single supplier of the lettuce, which a federal official briefed on the investigation told The Associated Press was Taylor Farms of Salinas, California. Taylor Farms did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The CDC stated that Taco Bell has committed to stop using any lettuce from the supplier identified by the FDA’s traceback investigation. More than 30 states have reported cyclospora infections this year, with current data showing the number of infections surpassing the record U.S. mark of about 4,700 set in 2019.
What’s reported
Federal health officials identified lettuce from Mexico served at Taco Bell as a source of the cyclospora outbreak.
The CDC warned consumers not to eat shredded iceberg lettuce from Taco Bell in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia.
An FDA investigation identified a single supplier of the lettuce; a federal official told the AP it was Taylor Farms of Salinas, California.
Taylor Farms did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Taco Bell committed to stop using any lettuce from the supplier identified by the FDA.
More than 30 states have reported cyclospora infections this year, surpassing the record of about 4,700 set in 2019.
The illness is not usually life threatening and is typically treated with antibiotics.
Open questions
Whether potentially contaminated shredded iceberg lettuce remains on the market in other states.
Whether other brands, restaurants, retailers, or distribution channels will be identified as the investigation continues.
Key figures
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Taylor Farms of Salinas, California
Taco Bell
Bill Barrow and Mike Stobbe (reporters)
Sources: statnews.com
