- Taylor Farms, a supplier of shredded iceberg lettuce to Taco Bell, has been identified as a potential source of contamination in a widespread cyclosporiasis outbreak.
- The outbreak has seen nearly 7,000 cases reported across 34 US states since May, with Michigan and New York being the most affected.
- Taco Bell has temporarily removed certain ingredients, including lettuce, from select restaurants as a precautionary measure, though public health officials have not confirmed a direct link.
- Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by a parasite from contaminated food or water, leading to symptoms such as cramping, nausea and explosive diarrhea.
- Michigan officials had previously indicated lettuce as a common product in their investigation, with the state reporting over 4,300 cases and around 100 hospitalizations.
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