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CDC links Taco Bell lettuce supplier to massive cyclospora outbreak
Taco Bell removed lettuce from select locations after a multistate cyclospora outbreak linked to shredded iceberg lettuce sickened thousands.
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Farmer holds a head of iceberg lettuce with freeze damage in Belle Glade, Fla. Tuesday, Dec. 14, 2010.
By:Justin Boggs
Posted
and last updated
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed Friday that lettuce supplied to Taco Bell in five states is tied to a massive outbreak of cyclospora in the Midwest
The CDC said that 1,644 people in five states have been infected with cyclospora. Cases have been reported in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia
There have been 94 hospitalizations tied to the outbreak, but no deaths so far
“FDA’s traceback investigation has identified a single supplier of iceberg lettuce from Mexico used by the Taco Bell locations where sick people ate,” the CDC said
RELATED STORY |Taco Bell removes some ingredients during nationwide cyclospora investigation
Taylor Farms produces the lettuce. Despite Taylor Farms lettuce and salad mixes being sold in stores, the CDC says lettuce sold in stores is not tied to the ongoing outbreak. Other lettuce brands are also not affected by the outbreak, the CDC said
Multipleoutlets now report Taylor Farms says it will remove all the affected lettuce from distribution within the U.S. The lettuce was
Scripps News has not yet independently verified the withdrawal
Earlier this week, Taco Bell removed lettuce from its menu items
“Based on ongoing conversations with public health officials, and out of an abundance of caution, Taco Bell has taken immediate action to voluntarily remove potentially impacted lettuce from a supplier in select states,” Taco Bell said in a statement. “The affected ingredient from our supplier is being indefinitely removed from our supply chain nationwide and will be replaced within 24 hours in select states.”
Cyclosporiasis is a foodborne illness caused by a microscopic parasite. People usually become infected through contaminated food or water, especially fresh produce. According to Scripps News medical expert Dr. Omer Awan, the parasite is commonly linked to lettuce, basil and other leafy vegetables
RELATED STORY |Health officials eye lettuce in spreading Cyclospora outbreak
“That’s usually been the culprit for the majority of the outbreaks that we’re seeing here in America, and the symptoms that people get usually occur about one week after exposure,” Awan said. “Most patients who get this typically have fatigue, cramping, nausea and explosive watery diarrhea.”
Awan warned that the illness can cause severe symptoms
“This is not the typical stomach bug that you’re used to because this diarrhea can persist for weeks to even months,” he said. “If you have diarrhea that’s lasting more than three or four days, you should absolutely talk to your doctor and get treatment so you can feel better.”
The CDC is encouraging the public not to eat shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia
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