The CDC is warning of an increase in cyclosporiasis cases. Here’s what you need to know:
Cases of cyclosporiasis are increasing across the United States as authorities warn of contaminated produce and symptoms.
Taco Bell has zeroed in on ingredients linked to the ongoing ancyclosporosis outbreak that is affecting thousands of people across the country. Lettuce seems to be the culprit.
The company announced on July 16 that it had removed lettuce from one of its suppliers in several states after reports linked the ingredient to an increase in cases of a parasitic infection that causes stomach pain that can cause diarrhea and nausea.
“Based on our ongoing conversations with public health officials, Taco Bell has taken immediate steps to voluntarily remove potentially affected lettuce from our suppliers in some states out of an abundance of caution,” the company said in a statement.
Taco Bell said vendor-sourced lettuce will be “indefinitely removed” from its supply chain across the U.S. and will be replaced within 24 hours in affected states. The company did not identify its suppliers or the states affected by the removals.
Taco Bell announced on Wednesday, July 15, that it had removed food from some stores, with the fast food chain claiming it was a precautionary measure.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Food and Drug Administration, and several states are investigating increasing cases of cyclosporiasis, a disease caused by the parasite Cyclospora caietanensis. Infection can cause frequent watery diarrhea or explosive bowel movements, nausea, cramping, bloating, and a low-grade fever.
The outbreak hit Michigan particularly hard. The state Department of Health announced Thursday, July 16, that 4,312 cases of the advanced gastrointestinal illness have been reported across the state. At least 102 people have been hospitalized in the state since June 22, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Infections are also spreading in 34 states.
Michigan health officials said earlier this week that lettuce was a possible source of infection, but they had not yet ruled out other items.
Taco Bell’s statement hinted that it would not be the last restaurant to branch out into lettuce.
“While no formal recommendations have been issued, we believe public health is a shared responsibility of restaurants, their suppliers, and authorities, and we are proud that we have consistently acted quickly and aggressively to protect our customers,” the company said in a statement. “Taco Bell is taking precautions and we encourage all associated restaurants, retailers and food service providers to do the same.”
Contributors: Melina Khan, Sara Moniuszko, Kristen Jordan Shamus, USA TODAY. Reuters
