U.S. federal health agencies are investigating whether shredded iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms from California is the source of a widespread cyclosporosis outbreak that has affected more than 1,600 people across 34 states, although a definitive link has not yet been confirmed.
On Friday, U.S. officials identified the source of the food parasite causing diarrhea as shredded iceberg lettuce used in the Taco Bell fast-food chain. A federal investigation conducted by the Food and Drug Administration traced the contamination back to a single iceberg supplier from Mexico that provided to Taco Bell restaurants in five states, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
The CDC reported that over 1,644 people in five states—Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia—have been confirmed infected with cyclosporosis, which can cause 'explosive diarrhea' and other symptoms. The health agency specified that cases related to this outbreak have not resulted in deaths, but 94 hospitalizations were recorded. The CDC emphasized that these illnesses were laboratory-confirmed and directly linked to the outbreak at Taco Bell locations in the specified states, noting that this figure does not include all cyclosporosis cases caused by other factors.
Although the CDC did not name the supplier, The Washington Post reported, citing sources familiar with the investigation, that Taylor Farms, which has production facilities in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, sold the lettuce. Federal officials issued a warning against consuming shredded iceberg lettuce from Taco Bell in the five affected states. In response, Taco Bell stated that it had taken immediate steps to voluntarily remove potentially contaminated lettuce from the supplier in certain states.
The company added that 'the affected ingredient from our supplier will be permanently removed from our supply chain nationwide and replaced within 24 hours in specific states.' Taco Bell also stated its position, saying: 'We believe that public health is a shared responsibility of restaurants, their suppliers, and authorities, and we are proud to have acted quickly and proactively to protect our guests.'
Untreated, cyclosporosis can persist for over a month. Although it is usually not life-threatening, it can cause dehydration. Previously, cyclosporosis has been linked to products such as packaged salad mixes, fresh cilantro, fresh basil, raspberries, peas, and onions. Experts nationwide advise thoroughly washing vegetables or, even better, cooking them, as temperatures above 158°F (70°C) kill the parasite.
Michigan has been particularly hard hit by cyclosporosis this year, with state authorities reporting over 5,000 cases. The FDA cautioned that individual state data often differs from national surveillance figures because states may count both probable and confirmed cases, and there is a delay between reporting and updating national data.
An 'explosive diarrhea' outbreak has affected thousands of people in the United States, according to recent reports. Following investigations by health authorities, the possibility has been raised that the fast-food chain Taco Bell is the source of the contaminated food.
Suspicions center on a batch of lettuce containing the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. This parasite has been responsible for infecting individuals in five different states since May. A total of 1,644 cases have been confirmed in Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, West Virginia, and Michigan, with the latter being the state with the highest number of recorded occurrences.
The investigation also included suspected cases of cyclosporiasis that have not yet been directly linked to the incident involving the restaurant chain. Infected patients reported consuming Taco Bell products before the onset of symptoms, and authorities pointed to shredded lettuce as a common link among the cases, prompting an investigation into the ingredient's origin.
The investigation conducted by health agencies led the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to trace the origin of the lettuce used in Taco Bell locations where affected individuals dined. According to the agency, a single supplier of lettuce from Mexico was identified as supplying the restaurants related to the cases.
News reports about the case mentioned the American company Taylor Farms as the supplier of this product. The FDA communicated that it initiated direct contact with the supplier to verify if any potentially contaminated batches were still available on the market. Furthermore, the agency began collecting samples for analysis in conjunction with state authorities.
In an official statement, the FDA declared that it was collaborating directly with the identified supplier to determine if the contaminated shredded iceberg lettuce remained on the market. The Taco Bell chain confirmed suspending the use of the lettuce linked to the investigation. The company also emphasized, through a statement reproduced by the FDA, that not all locations in the affected states received the suspicious item.
The investigation remains open, and new sources of contamination or affected locations may emerge. Meanwhile, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises consumers to avoid consuming shredded iceberg lettuce served by Taco Bell in the five involved states.
Symptoms caused by Cyclospora infection usually appear between two and fourteen days after ingesting the parasite. The most common signs include watery diarrhea, fatigue, cramps, abdominal bloating, gas, and loss of appetite. Without proper treatment, these symptoms can persist for days or even over a month, with the recommended treatment being an antibiotic capable of inhibiting the parasite's multiplication in the body.
