Taco Bell investigated as lettuce emerges as possible source of cyclosporiasis outbreak
Cyclosporiasis concerns grow in CA as illness spreads
Health officials are pointing to lettuce or salad greens as a potential source behind the outbreak of cyclosporiasis that is spreading throughout the state. Consumers are strongly advised to take special care when purchasing salad greens, including purchasing the whole head of lettuce instead of the bagged variety, and discarding the outer layers. They also ask that people cook when possible, heating the food to temperatures that kill cyclospora, the parasite responsible for the gastrointestinal illness.
One of America’s most popular fast-food chains is under scrutiny as federal and state health officials investigate whether Taco Bell locations may be connected to a rapidly growing cyclosporiasis outbreak.
Federal and state health agencies are investigating whether Taco Bell locations may have contributed to a widespread outbreak of cyclosporiasis, a gastrointestinal illness caused by a microscopic parasite, according to two anonymous sources familiar with the investigation who spoke to The Washington Post.
In recent days, multiple local and national news outlets reported that signs appeared at Detroit-area Taco Bell restaurants notifying customers that the locations could not serve lettuce, cilantro onions, pico de gallo or guacamole because of "a national recall."
In an email statement to Fox News Digital, Taco Bell Corp. said: "The health and safety of our guests is our top priority. Public health officials have not confirmed a link to Taco Bell or any specific ingredient, supplier, restaurant or retailer. While authorities continue their broader review, Taco Bell has voluntarily and temporarily removed limited ingredients at select restaurants as a precautionary measure. We will continue to closely monitor the situation and follow the guidance of public health authorities."
RELATED COVERAGE:
- Cyclospora parasite causing 'explosive diarrhea' reaches California as US cases break records
- This is why federal health officials are tracking a stomach bug in 31 states
- Cyclosporiasis outbreak possibly tied to salad greens, lettuce, MDHHS says
- Cyclosporiasis outbreak: How to protect yourself from contaminated foods
Neither the U.S. Food and Drug Administration nor the Department of Health and Human Services immediately responded to Fox News Digital's request for comment.
The FDA has not announced a recall involving Taco Bell, and its website does not include any public notice mentioning Taco Bell in connection with the outbreak.
Cyclosporiasis cases are rising across America, with more than 2,600 cases reported in Michigan. This is the largest outbreak of its kind in Michigan's history and one of the country’s largest in years, according to the Associated Press.
A press release from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services said Monday: "While the investigation is ongoing, current results point to lettuce or salad greens as a potential source for this outbreak, although other food items cannot be completely ruled out. No specific type of produce, grower or supplier has been identified as the source."
Cyclosporiasis outbreak hits more than half of US
The source of the outbreak remains unknown, but past Cyclospora outbreaks have been linked to fresh produce, including bagged salads, cilantro, basil, raspberries, snow peas and green onions.
The parasitic infection can cause weeks of watery, "explosive" diarrhea. The source of the outbreak has not been identified, and no deaths have been reported.
Taco Bell is a subsidiary of Yum! Brands Inc., based in Louisville, Kentucky. Yum! Brands also owns KFC, Pizza Hut and The Habit Burger & Grill.
Taco Bell operates more than 8,700 locations worldwide, according to its website, and serves more than 40 million customers each week in the United States.
Fox News’ Angelica Stabile contributed to this report.
Get the latest updates on this story and more on FOXBusiness.com.