Multiple outlets report that a lettuce supplier used by Taco Bell is under investigation as a possible source of a multi-state cyclosporiasis outbreak. The Food and Drug Administration is reportedly probing iceberg or shredded lettuce supplied to the chain, with reports identifying the supplier as Taylor Farms and linking the implicated product to cases centered in Michigan. One outlet reports Michigan has recorded more than 4,300 cyclosporiasis cases, a parasitic illness that can cause watery diarrhea and low-grade fever.
Taco Bell is responding by voluntarily removing potentially affected lettuce from some restaurants in states believed to be included in the outbreak and replacing the ingredient quickly. Bloomberg reports Taco Bell will replace the lettuce within about 24 hours at affected locations.
While the supplier and product are described as possible sources, the reporting reflects that investigators are still determining whether the implicated lettuce is the confirmed origin. Health officials are tracking case patterns and conducting outreach and follow-up to understand exposure routes across affected states.
