BREAKING: Feds investigate Taco Bell over diarrhea-causing parasite
Lettuce or salad greens are currently considered a possible source of the outbreak, according to the Michigan department of Health.
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Lettuce or salad greens are currently considered a possible source of the outbreak, according to the Michigan department of Health.
Federal and state health officials are looking into whether Taco Bell restaurants may have played a role in a major cyclospora outbreak, as investigators examine lettuce and other salad ingredients as a possible source of contamination.
Two sources familiar with the investigation told The Washington Post that agencies are reviewing whether Taco Bell locations could be connected to the spread of cyclosporiasis, a gastrointestinal illness caused by a microscopic parasite.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services said Monday that lettuce or salad greens are currently considered a possible source of the outbreak.
The investigation comes as health officials track a surge in Cyclospora cases across the United States. Michigan has reported more than 2,600 cases, making it the largest outbreak of the parasite in the state’s history and one of the biggest in the country in recent years, according to the Associated Press.
Signs posted at some Detroit-area Taco Bell restaurants recently said certain ingredients, including lettuce, cilantro onions, pico de gallo and guacamole, were unavailable due to "a national recall." The reason for the ingredient removal has not been publicly confirmed.
The US Food and Drug Administration has not formally announced a recall involving Taco Bell and has not posted any public notice connecting the restaurant chain to the outbreak.
"While the investigation is ongoing, current results point to lettuce or salad greens as a potential source for this outbreak, although other food items cannot be completely ruled out. No specific type of produce, grower or supplier has been identified as the source," the admin said.
Cyclospora infections can cause prolonged gastrointestinal symptoms, including weeks of watery diarrhea. Health officials have not identified the source of the outbreak, and no deaths have been reported.
Taco Bell, a subsidiary of Yum! Brands Inc., operates more than 8,700 locations worldwide and serves more than 40 million customers weekly in the United States
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