Federal investigators examine Taco Bell lettuce supplier amid cyclosporiasis outbreak
Health officials are probing iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms, supplied to Taco Bell, as a possible source of a multi-state cyclosporiasis outbreak that has sickened thousands.
Federal health agencies are investigating iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms, which was provided to Taco Bell, as a potential source of a nationwide cyclosporiasis outbreak. The parasite, which causes severe diarrhea, has been confirmed in 1,645 laboratory-tested cases, with 145 hospitalizations, and a backlog of more than 5,000 cases still under review, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Taco Bell said it is voluntarily removing the implicated lettuce from its supply chain in selected states and will replace it within 24 hours where needed. The company added that no official advisory has been issued and urged other foodservice operators to take similar precautions.
CDC deputy director Gwen Biggerstaff noted that the true number of infections is likely higher because many people experience only mild symptoms. She said the summer has seen an unusually high number of cyclosporiasis cases.
State health departments in Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia and Kentucky have linked recent cases and are examining whether lettuce served at Taco Bell locations contributed to the spread. The White House press secretary stated that recent budget cuts to the CDC and FDA have not impacted the government’s response to the outbreak.
Taylor Farms has not responded to requests for comment. The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to the report.