Federal health officials have confirmed that shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell restaurants in five US states is the source of a cyclospora outbreak, according to The Guardian.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced the finding late Thursday, advising consumers to avoid the lettuce at Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia.
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An investigation by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) traced the contaminated lettuce to a single supplier, though the company has not been publicly named.
“FDA is working with the supplier of iceberg lettuce to determine if potentially contaminated shredded iceberg lettuce remains on the market,” the CDC stated, adding that Taco Bell has agreed to stop using lettuce from that supplier.
Outbreak Scope and Response
The multi-state investigation involves the CDC, FDA, and public health officials across several jurisdictions.
More than 30 states have reported cyclospora infections this year, with current case numbers surpassing the US record of about 4,700 cases set in 2019.
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Taco Bell said it “voluntarily and temporarily removed limited ingredients at select restaurants as a precautionary measure” and will continue to monitor the situation.
Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that causes watery diarrhea and frequent bowel movements. Outbreaks typically occur in late spring and summer.
The parasite spreads through feces and often infects people who consume fruits or vegetables exposed to contaminated irrigation water.
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Experts note that while cyclosporiasis is less common than salmonella or E. coli, recent spikes in 2018 and 2019 reflect climate changes and improved detection.
