Health Officials Investigate Cyclospora Outbreak Linked to Lettuce

State and federal health officials are investigating a possible link between fresh ingredients served at certain Taco Bell locations and a Cyclospora outbreak. The chain has voluntarily removed select fresh ingredients at certain locations while public health officials continue their investigation.

Officials have not confirmed a link to Taco Bell or any specific ingredient, supplier, restaurant or retailer.

The CDC confirmed that 1,645 domestic Cyclospora cases have been reported since May 1, most often linked to fresh produce including leafy greens, cilantro and berries. The CDC is also investigating more than 5,100 additional suspected cases, with a total of 145 people having been hospitalized with the infection.

Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that infects the small intestine after people consume contaminated food or water. Interviews with sick patients have repeatedly pointed to lettuce and other salad greens as common exposures, and many of those patients also reported eating at Taco Bell before becoming ill.

A senior vice president and chief medical officer of Trinity Health in Michigan said Cyclosporiasis is not generally a life-threatening illness for most people. People should seek medical attention if they have lasting, severe diarrhea. A registered dietitian nutritionist at Lifeway Foods recommended skipping prewashed, bagged lettuce and salad mixes.

Instead, choose whole heads of lettuce, discarding the outer two to three leaves, and wash and rinse thoroughly. Federal public health authorities have not issued any warnings to avoid lettuce or other fresh produce at this time. For those who wish to take further precautions, frozen and canned produce may be safer options.