Taco Bell has slashed the price of its Mexican pizzas to $1 (75p) in an effort to win back customers after a parasite outbreak linked to shredded lettuce caused thousands to suffer from severe diarrhea.
Outbreak and Response
The US fast food chain removed lettuce from its menu in some states earlier this month after investigators tied the ingredient to an increase in cyclosporiasis cases. Last week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 1,947 people fell ill with cyclosporiasis after eating at Taco Bell, with shredded lettuce believed to be the source. Symptoms include loss of appetite, extreme fatigue, stomach cramps and explosive diarrhea.
Lettuce-Free Promotions
The $1 Mexican pizza—which does not contain shredded lettuce—is the second lettuce-free promotion this month, following a $1 Enchirito last week. The usual price of a Mexican pizza is $6.99 (£5.25).
Customer Loyalty
Fans responded enthusiastically to the discount on social media. “I’ll risk cyclospora for this any day,” one wrote. Another said, “No amount of diarrhea could stop me from loving you.” A third posted a love letter to the chain, declaring, “My love is unconditional and nothing will separate me from your cheesy beefy burrito and avocado chicken stacker.”
