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Is lettuce still safe to eat amid Taco Bell illness probe? Doctors answer
New York Post • • business
Key Points:
- A Cyclospora parasite outbreak has raised concerns about the safety of fresh greens, with investigations focusing on a possible link to lettuce served at Taco Bell, though no specific product or supplier has been confirmed as the source.
- Health officials from Michigan, CDC, and FDA are investigating the outbreak, and Taco Bell has voluntarily removed select fresh ingredients at certain locations as a precaution.
- Since May 1, 1,645 Cyclospora cases have been reported in the U.S., often linked to fresh produce like leafy greens, with symptoms including severe, prolonged diarrhea that requires medical attention if persistent.
- Experts recommend thoroughly washing lettuce and salad greens, avoiding prewashed bagged lettuce, and practicing good hand hygiene when handling fresh produce to reduce infection risk.
- Despite the outbreak, public health authorities have not advised avoiding fresh produce altogether, emphasizing that fruits and vegetables remain an essential part of a healthy diet when properly handled.
