Federal health officials are investigating a multistate outbreak of cyclospora that has been linked to shredded iceberg lettuce served at select Taco Bell restaurants in five states.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), investigators have traced the illnesses to a single supplier of iceberg lettuce imported from Mexico that supplied Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia. Taco Bell has since removed the affected lettuce from its restaurants while the investigation continues.
More Than 1,600 Cases Reported
Health officials say the outbreak has resulted in:
- 1,644 confirmed illnesses
- 94 hospitalizations
- No deaths reported
Investigators found that the vast majority of people interviewed reported eating menu items containing shredded iceberg lettuce before becoming ill.
What Is Cyclospora?
Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that causes an intestinal illness known as cyclosporiasis. Symptoms typically develop about a week after exposure and may last for several weeks if left untreated.
Common symptoms include:
- Watery diarrhea
- Stomach cramps
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue
- Bloating
- Weight loss
Some people may experience symptoms that improve before returning again.
Taco Bell Responds
Taco Bell says it has voluntarily removed the potentially affected lettuce from restaurants supplied by the implicated source while working closely with federal health officials during the ongoing investigation.
The company says the health and safety of its customers remains its top priority.
Is Pennsylvania Affected?
At this time, Pennsylvania has not been identified as one of the states involved in the Taco Bell-related outbreak.
The investigation currently involves Taco Bell restaurants in:
- Indiana
- Kentucky
- Michigan
- Ohio
- West Virginia
Federal officials say the investigation remains active, and additional information could become available as investigators continue tracing the source of the contamination.
What Consumers Should Know
Anyone who recently ate at a Taco Bell restaurant in one of the affected states and develops symptoms consistent with cyclospora infection should contact a healthcare provider.
The FDA also advises consumers in the affected states to avoid eating shredded iceberg lettuce served at the impacted Taco Bell locations until the investigation is complete.
Health officials continue to work with Taco Bell and the lettuce supplier to determine the full scope of the outbreak and whether any additional restaurants or products may be affected.
