CDC Links Taco Bell Lettuce to Cyclospora Outbreak in Five States

Federal health officials have identified shredded iceberg lettuce from Mexico served at Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia as a source of a cyclospora outbreak. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a warning on July 17, advising consumers not to eat the affected lettuce. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is investigating the outbreak and has identified a supplier, which sources indicate is Taylor Farms of Salinas, California. The FDA is working with the supplier to determine if contaminated lettuce remains available in the market. Taco Bell has stated it will stop using lettuce from the identified supplier. This year, more than 30 states have reported cyclospora infections, surpassing the previous record of about 4,700 cases in 2019. Cyclospora infections typically cause watery diarrhea and are treated with antibiotics. The CDC noted that the illness is less common than other foodborne illnesses and that the increase in reported cases may be due to improved detection methods and climate change.