Federal health officials are investigating Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce supplied to Taco Bell as a potential source of a cyclosporiasis outbreak that has infected thousands across the United States.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 1,645 lab-confirmed cases and 145 hospitalizations, with a backlog of 5,100 additional cases awaiting analysis.
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Cases in Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky have been linked by officials.
Michigan authorities previously identified lettuce as a potential source, and federal and state investigators examined connections to Taco Bell locations in the state.
Taco Bell said it voluntarily removed potentially affected lettuce from a supplier in select states after discussions with public health officials.
The chain stated it would rapidly replace the ingredient across its nationwide supply chain.
The CDC noted the outbreak is expected to continue through August. Health officials warned the actual number of infections likely exceeds official counts.
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"The true number of infections is almost certainly higher, because many people with mild illness recover," said Gwen Biggerstaff, deputy director of the CDC’s division of foodborne, waterborne and environmental diseases.
The surge in illnesses has drawn public criticism regarding federal cuts to food safety programs and limitations on a CDC foodborne illness monitoring initiative.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the administration believes federal agencies have the necessary resources to handle the situation.
"They have the resources they need to make sure that Americans are fully informed and protected from this illness during this time," she said.
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Taylor Farms did not immediately respond to inquiries about the investigation.
