Cyclospora Outbreak Linked to Taco Bell Lettuce in Five US States

Federal Health Officials Link Cyclospora Outbreak to Taco Bell Lettuce

Federal health officials have identified a specific source of the ongoing cyclospora outbreak, a parasite causing diarrhea, affecting multiple states in the US. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the outbreak is linked to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell locations across five US states: Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia. The CDC confirmed this information late on Thursday, prompting a warning to consumers not to eat the contaminated lettuce.

The CDC's confirmation follows a joint investigation by the CDC and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) into the source of the outbreak. While the FDA investigation identified a single supplier of the lettuce, federal warnings did not name the company. The CDC has advised consumers who have eaten at Taco Bell locations in the affected states to monitor their health for symptoms of cyclospora infection, which can include diarrhea, fatigue, and weight loss. It is unclear at this time how the lettuce became contaminated.

The CDC has urged consumers to take precautions and avoid eating the contaminated lettuce, while local health officials are working to contain the outbreak and prevent further cases. The investigation is ongoing, and the CDC will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.