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Iceberg lettuce investigated as possible source of cyclosporiasis outbreak
NBC News • • business
Key Points:
- The FDA is investigating iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms to Taco Bell as a potential source of a cyclosporiasis outbreak affecting four states, causing severe diarrhea in nearly 7,000 people nationwide.
- The CDC has confirmed 1,645 cases and is investigating over 5,100 more, with Michigan hardest hit, reporting 4,312 cases and 102 hospitalizations; no deaths have been reported.
- Michigan health officials identified lettuce and salad greens as a likely source after extensive interviews, but the outbreak's full scope may involve multiple sources across the country.
- Taco Bell has voluntarily removed some ingredients as a precaution, though public health officials have not confirmed a direct link to the chain or any specific supplier.
- Taylor Farms was previously linked to a 2013 cyclosporiasis outbreak involving salad mixes from a processing plant in Mexico, which sickened over 600 people in 25 states.
