Topline
Lettuce from a Taco Bell supplier has been identified as the possible source of the cyclosporiasis outbreak centered in the Great Lakes region, according to multiple reports, as federal and state health officials have yet to publicly announce the cause of the parasitic illness’ spread.
Iceberg lettuce in the field/Salinas Valley, California, USA.
Dana Downie/Design Pics Editorial/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
Key Facts
Investigators have identified shredded iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms to Taco Bell restaurants as the potential contamination source in a cyclosporiasis outbreak, according to two unnamed individuals familiar with the investigation who spoke to The Washington Post, with CNN also citing an unnamed source in reporting a potential link.
Taco Bell said Tuesday it was removing ingredients such as lettuce, cilantro, onion, pico de gallo and guacamole from its menus in the Detroit area.
Taylor Farms produces fruits, vegetables and pre-packaged salads, doing business with restaurants and grocery stores.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed 1,645 cases across 34 states as of Tuesday, according to its latest data, which notes the agency is investigating roughly 5,100 additional possible cases.
Forbes has reached out to Taco Bell, Taylor Farms and the CDC for comment.
NEWS PEG
Michigan, the epicenter of the outbreak, recorded an additional 600 cases Thursday, logging a total of 4,312 cases in the state.
Tangent
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Thursday the Trump administration “has a handle on the situation,” though she acknowledged an “unusually high number of cases” and reiterated CDC guidance to wash and cook raw produce to prevent infection.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.