A Cyclospora outbreak tied to contaminated iceberg lettuce has led to product recalls across the United States, affecting major retailers and restaurants. Federal investigators are working to pinpoint the source of the contamination.
Current Actions
Walmart and Taco Bell are among the companies taking steps to remove potentially contaminated products. Walmart has removed several lettuce products from its stores, and Taco Bell withdrew affected ingredients from select locations as a precaution.
Federal officials have stated these measures aim to prevent further illnesses. More than 1,644 cases of illness and 94 hospitalizations have been reported in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia, according to the CDC. No deaths have been linked to the outbreak.
Outbreak Details
The outbreak has been traced to shredded iceberg lettuce, prompting supplier Taylor Farms to recall all product sourced from central Mexico. Cyclospora cayetanensis, a parasite causing cyclosporiasis, is at the center of the outbreak. Symptoms include:
- Watery diarrhea
- Explosive bowel movements
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Bloating
- Weight loss
Symptoms generally start around a week after exposure and can persist for weeks if untreated.
Investigators have linked illnesses to lettuce distributed by the food-service and retail supply chain. Taylor Farms issued a recall for products distributed from June 29 to July 16 across 27 states, including Alabama, Florida, and Texas.
Corporate Statements
Walmart: The retail giant has removed affected products from 15 states. A spokesperson emphasized customer safety, stating they are monitoring the situation closely.
Taco Bell: Proactively removed potentially impacted lettuce from select restaurants prior to Taylor Farms’ recall announcement.
Taylor Farms: Expressed concern for affected individuals and said the contamination might be linked to a specific farm accounting for less than 1% of U.S. iceberg lettuce supply.
Broader Impact
The recall also affects various other businesses through Taylor Farms’ network. Federal officials warn the products may have been sold in different package formats across multiple states.
Next Steps
The CDC and FDA will continue their investigation, advising consumers to discard or return the recalled lettuce. Those experiencing symptoms should seek medical advice and mention possible Cyclospora exposure.