California Firm Recalls Lettuce Over Suspected Link to 'Explosive Diarrhea' Outbreak

Taylor Farms, a major U.S. producer of fresh vegetables and packaged salads based in California, has initiated a voluntary recall of its lettuce. This action follows a potential link to a widespread outbreak of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic illness causing severe diarrhea and other symptoms.

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initiated of immediately the voluntary recall of its products

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is investigating a possible connection between the iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms to certain Taco Bell restaurants and the identified source of the illness. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has linked the parasitic disease to this specific lettuce product.

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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) would have linked the parasitic disease with iceberg lettuce that Taylor Farms supplies to certain Taco Bell restaurants, which have been identified as the source of the illness in dozens of cases.

Federal authorities are currently investigating nearly 7,000 confirmed or suspected cases of cyclosporiasis nationwide. This number represents a dramatic increase, approximately 27 times higher than the same period last year, according to CDC data. Of these cases, 1,645 have been confirmed since May 1, with over 1,100 still under analysis.

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explosive diarrhea

The CDC reports cases in 34 states, with Michigan, Ohio, Virginia, and Kentucky showing the highest numbers. While the parasite is more common during warmer months and typically originates from contaminated fruits and vegetables, it is not usually transmitted between people. The CDC acknowledges that the actual number of illnesses could be higher due to underdiagnosis.

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the real number of illnesses could be higher