US health officials trace multi-state Cyclospora outbreak to shredded iceberg lettuce from Mexico supplied to selected Taco Bell restaurants

United States health authorities have identified shredded iceberg lettuce served at selected Taco Bell restaurants as the source of a major foodborne illness outbreak that has sickened 1,644 people and led to 94 hospitalisations across five states, prompting fresh warnings to consumers and swift action by the fast-food chain.

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The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said on Friday that a federal traceback investigation linked the Taco Bell Lettuce Outbreak to a single supplier of iceberg lettuce from Mexico used by Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia.

The investigation remains ongoing as officials work to determine whether any contaminated produce remains in circulation.

According to the CDC, all 1,644 laboratory-confirmed infections included in the outbreak involved people who reported eating at Taco Bell restaurants in the five affected states. While the outbreak has resulted in 94 hospitalisations, no deaths have been recorded.

The agency noted that these figures relate specifically to the Taco Bell-linked outbreak and do not represent all Cyclospora infections reported nationwide.

Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that causes cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness commonly characterised by severe diarrhoea, stomach cramps, bloating, nausea, fatigue and loss of appetite. If left untreated, symptoms can persist for several weeks or even recur after apparently resolving, although the illness is generally not life-threatening.

Federal investigators said epidemiological evidence strongly pointed to shredded iceberg lettuce as the common ingredient among those who became ill.

In Michigan, officials reviewed the food histories of 190 affected customers and found that about 90 per cent reported consuming iceberg lettuce before falling ill.

Although the FDA has not officially identified the supplier, multiple US media outlets, citing sources familiar with the investigation, reported that Taylor Farms supplied the implicated lettuce.

The company has reportedly begun voluntarily recalling iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico while the investigation continues.

In response to the findings, Taco Bell said it had acted immediately to remove the affected product.

“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,” the company said, adding that protecting customers remained a shared responsibility between restaurants, suppliers and public health authorities.

The FDA has advised consumers not to eat food containing shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell outlets in the five affected states and urged anyone experiencing symptoms after eating the product to seek medical advice promptly.

Health officials also recommended thoroughly cleaning surfaces that may have come into contact with the lettuce to reduce the risk of cross-contamination.

Cyclospora outbreaks have historically been linked to fresh produce, including bagged salad mixes, cilantro, basil, raspberries, snow peas and scallions.

Because the parasite is resistant to many conventional washing methods, public health experts say cooking food to temperatures above 70°C (158°F) is the most effective way to eliminate it.

Michigan has experienced the heaviest burden during this year’s wider Cyclospora season, with state authorities reporting more than 5,000 cases, although federal officials cautioned that state totals often include both probable and confirmed infections and may differ from national surveillance figures because of reporting delays and differing case definitions.

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The FDA said its investigation remains active and warned that additional restaurants, retailers or distribution channels could be identified as officials continue tracing the source and extent of the contamination.