Cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to lettuce at Taco Bell, Mexico supplier

An outbreak of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic illness causing diarrhea, has sickened more than 1,644 people across the United States. Federal health officials have traced the outbreak to shredded iceberg lettuce originating from a single supplier in Mexico. This lettuce was distributed to Taco Bell restaurants in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia.

While the Mexican supplier has not been publicly named, officials speaking anonymously to The New York Times identified Taylor Farms, a California-based distributor, as handling the lettuce. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) stated it is working with the identified supplier to determine if contaminated lettuce remains on the market. Taco Bell has pledged to cease using lettuce from the implicated source.

Federal warnings have advised the public against consuming the green in affected areas. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed the high number of illnesses linked to Taco Bell consumption in the five states. Global News has reached out to Taylor Farms and Taco Bell for comment. Wendy's and Chipotle have confirmed they are not affected by this particular outbreak.

Cyclospora outbreaks are common in the late spring and summer, thriving in warm conditions. The parasite infects the bowels and spreads through feces. While the illness is typically not life-threatening and treatable with antibiotics, federal health officials are continuing their investigation to identify any other distribution channels or brands that may have received the contaminated product. More than 30 states have reported cyclosporiasis infections this year, though not all are linked to this specific outbreak.