A source familiar with the investigation has revealed that shredded iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms and sold at some Taco Bell restaurants has been linked to a multistate outbreak of cyclosporiasis. The outbreak, which has resulted in nearly 7,000 cases of the intestinal illness since May 1, is considered to be a regional one, centered in the Midwest.
Outbreak Details
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified at least 400 cases associated with the outbreak across four states: Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky. The Michigan state health department has reported more than 4,300 cases of cyclospora during the outbreak investigation, with over 1,000 people interviewed as part of the investigation.
Cyclosporiasis is not usually spread directly from person to person, but rather through the consumption of contaminated food or water. People with cyclosporiasis may experience symptoms such as watery diarrhea, cramping, and bloating for weeks.
Taylor Farms supplies grocery stores and restaurants across the country, although it is unclear exactly how many of its products and which locations may be affected. Taco Bell has voluntarily and temporarily removed some ingredients from its menu at select restaurants as a precautionary measure.
Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.
