The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed that shredded iceberg lettuce from Taco Bell restaurants in five US states is linked to a multistate outbreak of cyclospora, a parasite that causes diarrheal illness. The CDC warned consumers not to eat shredded lettuce from Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia.
FDA Investigation Identifies Single Supplier
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) investigation identified a single supplier of the lettuce, but federal warnings did not name the company. The CDC stated that the FDA is working with the supplier to determine if potentially contaminated shredded iceberg lettuce remains on the market in other states. Taco Bell has committed to stop using any lettuce from the identified supplier.
Outbreak Surpasses Previous Records
More than 30 states have reported cyclospora infections this year, with current data showing the number of infections surpassing the record US mark of about 4,700 set in 2019. The illness is not usually life-threatening and is typically treated with antibiotics.
On Tuesday, ahead of the federal government's confirmation, Taco Bell issued a statement saying it had voluntarily and temporarily removed limited ingredients at select restaurants as a precautionary measure and would continue to monitor the situation.
What is Cyclospora?
Cyclospora is a microscopic, spherical parasite that commonly causes watery diarrhea with frequent and sometimes explosive bowel movements, according to the CDC. Outbreaks tend to occur most often in the late spring and summer. The parasite infects the bowels and spreads through feces. In the past, people have been infected by consuming fruits or vegetables that were exposed to feces-contaminated irrigation water.
The illness, called cyclosporiasis, is less common than foodborne illnesses caused by other germs, including salmonella and E. coli. Many cases are never linked to a specific food or other source, and for years few US cyclospora outbreaks were reported. However, the number started rising about a decade ago, with a particularly notable spike in 2018 and 2019.
Experts say it is likely that cyclospora cases historically were underreported, in part because some common tests used to check for food poisoning have not been geared to detect cyclospora. They attribute the increasing trend in cases to the climate crisis and better detection.
