US links Taco Bell lettuce to diarrhea-causing parasite outbreak

U.S. health officials have pinpointed shredded iceberg lettuce used by the fast-food chain Taco Bell as the source of a foodborne parasite outbreak that caused widespread illness. The investigation, conducted by the Food and Drug Administration, traced the contamination to a single supplier of iceberg lettuce from Mexico.

The outbreak primarily affected Taco Bell locations in five states: Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed that more than 1,644 people were infected with cyclosporiasis, a parasite that can cause severe diarrhea and other symptoms. While there have been no reported deaths, 94 individuals were hospitalized as a result of the outbreak.

Taco Bell has responded by voluntarily removing the potentially contaminated lettuce from its supply chain nationwide. The company stated it is replacing the affected ingredient within 24 hours in select states and emphasized its commitment to public health. "We believe public health is a shared responsibility among restaurants, their suppliers, and authorities, and we are proud to have consistently acted quickly and proactively to protect our guests," Taco Bell said in a statement.

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The affected ingredient from our supplier is being indefinitely removed from our supply chain nationwide and will be replaced within 24 hours in select states.

While the CDC did not name the supplier, The Washington Post reported, citing unnamed sources, that Taylor Farms, a company with production facilities in Mexico, Canada, and the United States, sold the lettuce. Federal officials have advised consumers in the affected states to avoid eating shredded iceberg lettuce from Taco Bell.

Cyclosporiasis infections, if untreated, can last over a month and may lead to dehydration, though they are generally not life-threatening. Health authorities recommend thoroughly washing all produce or cooking it, as heat above 158°F (70°C) effectively kills the parasite. Michigan has been particularly affected, reporting over 5,000 cyclosporiasis cases this year.

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We believe public health is a shared responsibility among restaurants, their suppliers, and authorities, and we are proud to have consistently acted quickly and proactively to protect our guests.