The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has warned consumers not to eat shredded iceberg lettuce from Taco Bell restaurants in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia following an outbreak of the cyclospora parasite. The warning, issued late Thursday, came after an investigation by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) traced the source to a single supplier of lettuce from Mexico.
Outbreak details and supplier
According to the CDC, the FDA investigation identified a single supplier of the shredded iceberg lettuce linked to the outbreak. Federal warnings did not name the company, but Bloomberg News reported that California-based Taylor Farms is preparing to recall ingredients related to the cyclospora outbreak, citing a document viewed by the outlet. Taco Bell has committed to stop using any lettuce from the supplier identified by the FDA's traceback investigation.
Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that causes cyclosporiasis, an illness characterized by watery diarrhea, fatigue, and nausea. Symptoms can last up to a month. The CDC noted that the illness is not usually life-threatening and is typically treated with antibiotics. The current outbreak has affected more than 30 states, with the number of infections surpassing the record US mark of about 4,700 set in 2019.
Public health response
“FDA is working with the supplier of iceberg lettuce to determine if potentially contaminated shredded iceberg lettuce remains on the market,” including in other states, the CDC said. “Taco Bell has committed to stop using any lettuce from the supplier identified by FDA’s traceback investigation.” On Tuesday, before 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. We will continue to closely monitor the situation and follow the guidance of public health authorities.”
Cyclospora outbreaks tend to occur most often in late spring and summer. The parasite infects the bowels and spreads through feces, often via contaminated irrigation water used on fruits or vegetables. While less common than salmonella or E. coli infections, cyclospora cases have risen significantly in recent years, with notable spikes in 2018 and 2019. Experts attribute the increase to better detection methods and the climate crisis, as the parasite thrives in heat.
