FDA Links Taco Bell Lettuce to Cyclospora Outbreak; Chain Removes Ingredient Nationwide

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Federal health officials have linked shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell restaurants in five states to a multistate outbreak of the parasite Cyclospora, prompting the fast-food chain to remove the affected ingredient from its supply chain nationwide as a precaution.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said they are investigating an outbreak of cyclospora illnesses connected to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia. As of Thursday, the outbreak included 1,644 confirmed illnesses and 94 hospitalizations, with no deaths reported. Illnesses began between May 13 and July 13.

The FDA has advised consumers not to eat food containing shredded iceberg lettuce from Taco Bell restaurants in the five affected states while the investigation continues. The agency said additional states could be added if more contaminated product is identified.

In a statement released Thursday, Taco Bell said it voluntarily removed potentially affected lettuce supplied by one vendor after discussions with public health officials.

"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," the company said.

The company said the ingredient has been "indefinitely removed" from its nationwide supply chain and is being replaced within 24 hours in the affected states.

"While no official advisory has been issued, we believe public health is a shared responsibility among restaurants, their suppliers, and authorities, and we are proud to have consistently acted quickly and proactively to protect our guests," Taco Bell said. "Taco Bell has taken precautionary action, and we encourage all relevant restaurants, retailers, and foodservice operators to do the same."

Since the company's statement, the FDA has issued an official consumer advisory warning against eating the implicated lettuce at Taco Bell restaurants in the five affected states.

The FDA said its traceback investigation identified a single supplier of iceberg lettuce from Mexico used by Taco Bell locations where infected customers reported eating before becoming ill. Federal officials are working with the supplier to determine whether contaminated product remains on the market and have increased border screening and product testing as the investigation continues.

Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that can contaminate food or water. According to the FDA, infection commonly causes frequent diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, bloating, fatigue, loss of appetite and weight loss. Without treatment, symptoms can last from several days to a month or longer and may return after temporarily improving.

Health officials advise anyone who develops symptoms after eating shredded iceberg lettuce from the affected Taco Bell restaurants to contact a healthcare provider. Consumers should also clean and sanitize any surfaces or containers that came into contact with the lettuce to reduce the risk of cross-contamination.