CDC and FDA link lettuce at Taco Bell in five states to cyclospora outbreak

Federal health officials have linked a cyclospora outbreak to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell restaurants in five states. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identified the contaminated produce in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia.

Taco Bell has removed the affected ingredients from the impacted locations as a precautionary measure. While the company has not identified the specific supplier, it is working with the Food and Drug Administration to trace the source of the contamination. The lettuce reportedly originated from a supplier in Mexico.

Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that typically spreads through contaminated irrigation water. Infection often causes severe watery diarrhea. Health authorities note that infections from this parasite have become more frequent in the United States over the last decade.

Cases this year have already surpassed the 2019 record of 4,700 reported infections across the country. Patients generally recover with antibiotic treatment. Federal investigators continue to review whether contaminated products from the same supplier remain in other regions.