Taco Bell pulls lettuce after parasitic outbreak link in five states
Taco Bell is removing potentially affected shredded iceberg lettuce after federal health officials linked lettuce served in five states to a cyclosporiasis outbreak. Taylor Fresh Foods says it is pulling iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico as the investigation continues.
CDC, FDA link Taco Bell lettuce supplier to multistate cyclosporiasis outbreak
Taylor Farms recalls iceberg lettuce amid cyclosporiasis outbreak
Iceberg lettuce at Taco Bell linked to cyclospora outbreak
Cyclospora Linked to Taylor Farms Lettuce Sent to Taco Bell
Cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to shredded lettuce served at some Taco Bell locations: CDC, FDA
Taco Bell is removing potentially affected shredded iceberg lettuce from its U.S. supply chain after federal health officials linked lettuce served at some of its restaurants to a multistate cyclosporiasis outbreak. Investigators identified a lettuce supplier as the likely source of illnesses tied to Taco Bell locations, and Taylor Fresh Foods said Friday it was voluntarily removing all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico from the U.S. market.washingtonpost
The CDC and FDA warned consumers not to eat shredded iceberg lettuce from Taco Bell restaurants in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia while the investigation continues. Federal officials said the FDA traceback pointed to a single supplier of iceberg lettuce from Mexico used by Taco Bell restaurants in the affected states, though the government warning did not name the company.nbcnews +1
The outbreak is large by recent U.S. standards. NBC News reported that the CDC had confirmed 1,644 cases and was investigating more than 5,100 additional illnesses, with no deaths reported. Michigan has been the center of the surge, reporting more than 5,000 cases and more than 100 hospitalizations.washingtonpost +1
Taco Bell said it had acted “out of an abundance of caution” and would replace the affected lettuce within 24 hours in select states. The company did not initially name the supplier, but said the ingredient from that supplier was being removed nationwide. Federal officials said Taco Bell committed to stop using lettuce from the supplier identified in the FDA traceback investigation.nytimes
Cyclosporiasis is caused by the cyclospora parasite and is usually linked to contaminated food or water, particularly raw produce. Symptoms can include watery diarrhea, nausea, fatigue and cramping, and illness can last for weeks; treatment is typically available with antibiotics. Health officials said the investigation is still open, including whether contaminated lettuce may have reached other restaurants, retailers or distribution channels.nbcnews +1
5 sources
washingtonpost
CDC, FDA link Taco Bell lettuce supplier to multistate cyclosporiasis outbreak
Investigators identified Taylor Farms as the supplier of shredded iceberg lettuce linked to the outbreak at Taco Bell restaurants.
nbcnews
Taylor Farms recalls iceberg lettuce amid cyclosporiasis outbreak
Taylor Fresh Foods said it was voluntarily removing all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico from the U.S.
npr
Iceberg lettuce at Taco Bell linked to cyclospora outbreak
Federal health officials identified a single supplier of produce from Mexico served in Taco Bell restaurants in five states.
nytimes
Cyclospora Linked to Taylor Farms Lettuce Sent to Taco Bell
Federal officials worked with Michigan investigators to trace the outbreak to iceberg lettuce that may also have gone to other vendors.
abc7
Cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to shredded lettuce served at some Taco Bell locations: CDC, FDA
Recent cyclosporiasis cases were linked to shredded iceberg lettuce served at some Taco Bell locations.