The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a food safety alert after identifying shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell restaurants as the source of a multistate outbreak of cyclosporiasis that has sickened more than 1,600 people, including residents in Michigan.
According to the CDC, at least 1,644 laboratory-confirmed cases of Cyclospora infection have been reported across Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia. The outbreak has resulted in 94 hospitalizations, though no deaths have been reported.
Federal investigators traced the outbreak to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell locations in the five affected states. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s traceback investigation identified a single supplier in Mexico that provided the lettuce to the restaurants where infected customers reported eating.
Health officials emphasized that the outbreak is not linked to shredded iceberg lettuce sold in grocery stores or served at other restaurants.
The CDC is advising consumers not to eat shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia until the outbreak has been fully addressed.
Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that causes the intestinal illness cyclosporiasis. While some infected individuals experience no symptoms, others develop severe gastrointestinal illness.
Common symptoms include:
- Watery diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
Symptoms typically begin about one week after exposure to the parasite. Without treatment, illness can last from several days to a month or longer and may recur if left untreated. People experiencing symptoms are encouraged to stay hydrated and contact a healthcare provider.
The CDC notes that patients may need to specifically request testing for Cyclospora, as the parasite is not always included in routine stool testing.
The outbreak includes only laboratory-confirmed illnesses linked to the contaminated lettuce and does not represent all Cyclospora infections reported nationwide.
Consumers with questions about cases in their state are encouraged to contact their state health department.
The CDC and FDA continue to investigate the outbreak and are monitoring for additional cases as the traceback investigation proceeds.
