In brief
In the wake of a rising cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to a parasite, Taco Bell is pulling shredded iceberg lettuce from its menu in several U.S. states. Health authorities, including the CDC and FDA, confirm 1,645 cases in five states and advise customers to avoid the lettuce. The chain says the decision is an extra precaution while a replacement is sought. The outbreak, first detected on 13 May, has caused 94 hospitalisations but no reported deaths. The suspected supplier, Taylor Farms, has been named by U.S. media, though the company has not confirmed the link.
Taco Bell is taking lettuce off its menu in certain U.S. states after health officials linked a bout of explosive diarrhoea to the leafy green.
The chain said the change is an extra precaution following talk with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC reports 1,645 people in five states have felt symptoms of cyclosporiasis, a parasite that spreads through contaminated food or water.
The Food and Drug Administration advises against eating shredded iceberg lettuce from Mexican suppliers at Taco Bell stores in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia.
No deaths have been recorded, but 94 people were hospitalised. The outbreak commenced on 13 May, according to the FDA.
Taco Bell is removing lettuce from one supply line indefinitely and promises a replacement. It has not stated in which states lettuce will be withdrawn, though most cases were reported in Michigan where more than 3,300 people were infected.
Suspected supplier Taylor Farms has been named by U.S. media, though the company has not confirmed the link.
Symptoms of cyclosporiasis may appear two weeks after exposure and include watery diarrhoea lasting days, sudden weight loss and loss of appetite.
Experts note the parasite is difficult to trace, complicated further by cuts to federal health agencies.
