Taco Bell is removing iceberg lettuce from its supply chain due to a cyclospora outbreak linked to a single supplier. Both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommend avoiding shredded iceberg lettuce at Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia.
Health officials have investigated 190 cyclospora cases in Michigan, with individuals reporting illness after dining at Taco Bell. It was discovered that 90% of these individuals consumed iceberg lettuce.
Since May 13, more than 1,644 people across multiple states reported illness after eating at Taco Bell. The outbreak resulted in 94 hospitalizations, though no deaths have occurred.
The FDA traced the outbreak to iceberg lettuce from a Mexican supplier, whose name remains undisclosed. Efforts are underway to identify other locations where this contaminated lettuce has been distributed.
The agency notes that while this is one large cluster epidemiologically connected, other clusters might exist nationwide.
Taco Bell announced on July 16 the voluntary removal and replacement of lettuce nationwide within 24 hours. The Associated Press reported that Taylor Farms supplied the lettuce, but this hasn’t been independently confirmed by NPR, and Taylor Farms did not comment.
The bagged lettuce and salad industry in the U.S. is dominated by a few large suppliers, including Taylor Farms. With extensive distribution networks, one supplier can serve numerous retailers. Thus, other cyclospora clusters may also link back to the same supplier.
Both the FDA and CDC continue their investigations.
Preventive Measures
Cyclospora symptoms include watery diarrhea, appetite loss, and fatigue. Infection occurs from consuming contaminated food or water.
The CDC emphasizes food safety by thoroughly washing fresh produce under running water before consumption, cutting, or cooking to decrease infection risk. Cooking food to at least 158 F or 70 C eliminates the parasite.
If symptoms develop, consult a healthcare provider to test for cyclospora, as routine tests often exclude it.
Dr. Gwen Biggerstaff from the CDC advises symptomatic individuals to maintain hydration and avoid food preparation for others, despite the unlikely person-to-person transmission.