Cyclosporiasis outbreak possibly traced to lettuce from Mexico used by Taco Bell, source says
Taco Bell Cyclosporiasis Outbreak Possibly Traced to Lettuce from Mexico
Cyclosporiasis outbreak possibly traced to lettuce – A major Cyclosporiasis outbreak possibly traced to lettuce is currently being investigated by health officials across the United States. According to a reliable source speaking with CBS News on Thursday, the fast-food chain Taco Bell may have served contaminated produce that led to widespread illness. The suspected culprit is iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms, which sources its vegetables from farms in Mexico. This connection has been identified in five states where patients fell sick after eating at Taco Bell locations.
How the Investigation Unfolded
The Food and Drug Administration launched a thorough traceback investigation that revealed Taylor Farms as the common link among affected restaurants. Based in Salinas, California, this supplier serves many major restaurant chains nationwide. Following the findings, Taco Bell announced on Thursday that they are voluntarily pulling potentially contaminated lettuce from their supply chain in certain regions. The company emphasized that this precautionary measure will be implemented immediately.
“Based on ongoing conversations with public health officials, and out of an abundance of caution, Taco Bell has taken immediate action to voluntarily remove potentially impacted lettuce from a supplier in select states,” the company stated. “The affected ingredient from our supplier is being indefinitely removed from our supply chain nationwide and will be replaced within 24 hours in select states.”
Scope of the Illness
This Cyclosporiasis outbreak possibly traced to lettuce began in early May and has since spread dramatically. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that the illness has now reached 34 states. Federal data shows at least 1,645 people have contracted the disease, with a minimum of 141 requiring hospitalization. However, these numbers likely represent an undercount, as individual state health departments have recorded significantly higher totals.
Michigan’s Department of Health and Human Services reported on Thursday that they have confirmed at least 4,312 cases within the state alone. Of those cases, 102 individuals needed hospital care. This gap between federal and state figures demonstrates the difficulty in tracking the full extent of the outbreak as local authorities continue gathering information.
Understanding the Disease
Cyclosporiasis typically appears about one week after exposure to the parasite. The illness duration varies widely among patients, lasting anywhere from a few days to two weeks or more. Those infected commonly experience watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, unintended weight loss, abdominal bloating, nausea, and ongoing fatigue. The parasite primarily spreads when contaminated feces pollute food or water sources.
Past outbreaks in the United States and Canada have been linked to various foods including bagged salad mixes, fresh herbs like cilantro and basil, raspberries, snow peas, and green onions. Health professionals advise thoroughly washing all fresh produce and cooking food whenever possible to reduce infection risk.
“The best way to avoid ingesting it is to cook your food,” Dr. Nuwan Gunawardhana, an infectious disease specialist at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, explained to CBS News. He added that physically brushing or scrubbing vegetables can assist in removing the parasite, though he noted, “But it’s also known to be extremely adherent to surfaces, so it won’t protect you 100%.”
Taylor Farms’ Track Record
Taylor Farms has faced food safety issues before. Last year, an E. coli outbreak was connected to onions distributed to multiple restaurants from a Taylor Farms facility in Colorado. That incident caused McDonald’s to temporarily stop using onions on its Quarter Pounder burgers at certain locations. Today, Taylor Farms describes itself on its official website as one of the largest fresh produce suppliers in North America, serving both retail and foodservice customers.