Federal health officials are investigating a Taco Bell cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to shredded iceberg lettuce served at some restaurants in five states. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration issued updated guidance on July 16.
The agencies advised customers not to eat shredded iceberg lettuce from Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia.
Taco Bell Cyclosporiasis Outbreak Under Investigation
The CDC said more than 1,644 people infected with Cyclospora reported eating at Taco Bell locations in the affected states. Health officials reported 94 hospitalizations and no deaths as of the latest update.
Illnesses began between May 13 and July 13, according to federal investigators. The CDC said the true number of sick people is likely higher because some people recover without testing or medical care.
Investigators said this outbreak is part of broader cyclosporiasis activity being tracked nationwide. However, the CDC said some other illnesses are unrelated to this Taco Bell investigation.
Iceberg Lettuce Traced to Single Supplier
The FDA said traceback work identified a single supplier of iceberg lettuce from Mexico used by Taco Bell locations where sick people ate before becoming ill. Federal officials have not publicly named the supplier.
Not all Taco Bell locations in the five states received the implicated lettuce, according to the FDA. Taco Bell has committed to stop using lettuce from the supplier identified in the investigation.
The FDA is also collecting product samples for testing. Officials said they are checking whether potentially contaminated shredded iceberg lettuce remains on the market or went to other places.
What Customers Should Know
Health officials recommend avoiding food items with shredded iceberg lettuce from Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia.
Anyone who has symptoms after eating the lettuce should contact a health care provider. The CDC said patients may need to request testing specifically for Cyclospora because routine stool tests do not always screen for the parasite.
People who brought home food containing the lettuce should clean and sanitize surfaces or containers it touched. This can help reduce cross-contamination.
Symptoms of Cyclosporiasis
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. People can get sick after eating food or drinking water contaminated with the parasite.
Symptoms often begin about one week after exposure. They can start as soon as two days later or take two weeks or more.
Common symptoms include watery diarrhea, fatigue, loss of appetite, stomach cramps, bloating, gas, nausea and weight loss. Some people may also experience vomiting, body aches, headache or fever.
Without treatment, symptoms can last for days, weeks or longer. They may also go away and return.
Investigation Remains Open
The CDC and FDA said the investigation remains open. More restaurants, retailers, brands or distribution channels could be identified as officials learn more.
For now, the public health message is targeted. The warning applies to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell locations in the five listed states.
Consumers should monitor official CDC and FDA updates, especially if they recently ate at affected Taco Bell locations. Anyone with ongoing diarrhea or dehydration symptoms should seek medical care.