Taco Bell removes several fresh toppings amid nationwide Cyclospora outbreak
The fast-food chain stopped serving lettuce, cilantro, onion, pico de gallo and guacamole after health officials began investigating a surge in Cyclospora infections across multiple states.
Taco Bell announced that several fresh ingredients will no longer be offered at its restaurants while public health agencies investigate a rise in Cyclospora infections. Notices posted at locations in the Detroit area say the chain cannot provide lettuce, cilantro, onion, pico de gallo and guacamole due to a nationwide recall, and that orders normally containing these items will be served without them.
Health officials have reported nearly 1,000 cases of cyclosporiasis in Michigan, a state that typically records about 50 cases annually, and rising numbers in Illinois, Virginia, Ohio and New York. The CDC describes the parasite as causing watery diarrhea and other gastrointestinal symptoms, and notes that infection usually occurs through contaminated produce.
No specific supplier or produce type has been identified as the source of the outbreak, and it is unclear whether any Taco Bell customers have become ill. The illness is generally treatable with antibiotics and has not been linked to any deaths in the current surge.
"We apologize for the inconvenience," a Taco Bell notice read.
CDC acting parasitic diseases branch chief Dianna Blau told the Associated Press that thousands of Cyclospora cases are reported each year in the United States, and it remains to be seen how this year's numbers compare to typical levels. Officials advise anyone with persistent diarrhea to seek medical care and recommend thorough washing of produce to reduce infection risk.