The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a nationwide food safety alert after identifying shredded iceberg lettuce served at certain Taco Bell restaurants as the source of a multistate outbreak of Cyclospora infections.
According to the CDC, more than 1,644 people across five states have been infected with the parasite, with illnesses reported in Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, and West Virginia. The outbreak has resulted in 94 hospitalizations, though no deaths have been reported.
Federal investigators traced the illnesses to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell locations in the affected states. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) determined that the lettuce originated from a single supplier in Mexico used by the impacted restaurants.
Health officials emphasized that the outbreak does not involve shredded iceberg lettuce sold in grocery stores or served at other restaurants.
What Consumers Should Do
The CDC is advising people not to eat shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia until further notice.
Anyone who develops symptoms after eating at one of the affected restaurants should contact a healthcare provider. Because Cyclospora testing is not always performed routinely, patients may need to specifically request testing for the parasite.
Symptoms of Cyclospora Infection
Cyclospora infections, known as cyclosporiasis, may not cause symptoms in everyone. When symptoms occur, they typically begin about one week after exposure and can include:
- Watery diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
Without treatment, symptoms can last from several days to more than a month. The CDC also recommends staying well hydrated if symptoms develop.
The agency noted that the alert includes only laboratory-confirmed cases linked to the Taco Bell lettuce and does not represent all Cyclospora infections currently being reported.
State health departments continue working with the CDC and FDA as the investigation remains ongoing.
