A recent outbreak of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic intestinal infection, has been linked to shredded lettuce supplied to Taco Bell restaurants by California-based supplier Taylor Farms. The outbreak, which began on May 1, has been concentrated in Michigan, with Ohio and New York also reporting a large number of infections.
Investigation and Response
According to the Washington Post, investigators have identified the shredded iceberg lettuce as a potential source of contamination. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported a likely link among cases in Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky, suggesting many of the infections may stem from a common source.
Taco Bell has removed a limited number of ingredients from some restaurants as a precautionary measure, but stressed that US health authorities had not linked the outbreak to the chain, any specific food item, or a supplier. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is expected to advise consumers to avoid shredded lettuce at Taco Bell restaurants in Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, Kentucky, and Indiana.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
