US health authorities link 'explosive diarrhea' outbreak to Taco Bell lettuce

An outbreak of intestinal illness, characterized by "explosive diarrhea," has affected thousands across the United States, with health officials identifying contaminated lettuce as the source. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that a parasite found in lettuce supplied to the fast-food chain Taco Bell is responsible for the widespread infection.

Federal investigations by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) traced the contamination to a Mexican lettuce supplier whose products were used in Taco Bell restaurants across Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia. As of the latest reports, more than 1,644 individuals have been diagnosed with cyclosporiasis, a condition that can last over a month if untreated and lead to dehydration, though it is not considered fatal.

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the specific ingredient that came from our supplier is being withdrawn indefinitely from our supply chain nationwide and will be replaced within 24 hours in some states.

The outbreak has resulted in 94 hospitalizations, with all cases linked to the contaminated lettuce. Taco Bell has responded by removing the specific ingredient from its national supply chain indefinitely and plans to replace it within 24 hours in affected states. The company issued a statement asserting that public health is a shared responsibility and expressing pride in their swift, preventive actions to protect customers.

Michigan appears to be the most severely affected state, with authorities recording over 5,000 cases of cyclosporiasis within the year. The CDC continues to monitor the situation, emphasizing the importance of food safety and supplier oversight in preventing such widespread public health issues.

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We believe that public health is a shared responsibility of restaurants, their suppliers and the authorities, and we are proud to always act quickly and proactively to protect our customers.