A widespread outbreak of cyclosporiasis linked to Taco Bell restaurants has infected 1,645 people across five US states, with 94 hospitalisations, according to US health officials. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has urged consumers in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia to avoid shredded iceberg lettuce from Taco Bell locations in those states.
Outbreak Details and Symptoms
The parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis causes cyclosporiasis, a gastrointestinal illness that can lead to watery diarrhoea lasting several days, sudden weight loss, loss of appetite, nausea, and fatigue. Symptoms typically appear one to two weeks after consuming contaminated food or water. The current outbreak is part of a larger surge, with nearly 7,000 cases reported nationwide, according to NBC News.
Michigan has recorded the highest number of illnesses, with over 3,300 cases since the outbreak was first identified in May. Health officials continue to monitor the situation as investigations proceed.
Taco Bell's Response
Taco Bell has voluntarily removed shredded iceberg lettuce supplied by an unnamed vendor in the affected states. In a statement, the company said: “Based on ongoing conversations with public health officials, and out of an abundance of caution, Taco Bell has taken immediate action to voluntarily remove potentially impacted lettuce from a supplier in select states.” The fast-food chain added that the affected ingredient is being “indefinitely removed from our supply chain nationwide and will be replaced within 24 hours in select states.” Taco Bell did not specify which states would see the lettuce removed from menus, but the FDA advisory covers five states.
Challenges in Tracing the Parasite
Cyclospora is notoriously difficult to trace due to its microscopic size and complex life cycle. Steven Manderach, executive director of the Association of Food and Drug Officials, told the BBC: “This isn’t like detecting a needle in a haystack. It’s like detecting a microscopic portion of a needle in a haystack.” Investigations may be further complicated by recent cuts to federal health agencies, experts say.
Health officials advise anyone who has eaten at Taco Bell in the affected states and developed symptoms to seek medical attention. The FDA continues to investigate the source of the contaminated lettuce, which originated from Mexico.
