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Taco Bell is taking these ingredients off the menu amid ‘explosive diarrhea’ parasite outbreak
The Independent • • business
Key Points:
- Taco Bell has temporarily removed several fresh produce items, including lettuce, cilantro, onion, pico de gallo, and guacamole, from its menu due to a nationwide recall amid a cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to contaminated produce.
- Nearly 1,000 cyclosporiasis cases have been reported in Michigan this year, a significant increase from the usual 50 cases annually, with similar spikes in states like Illinois, Virginia, Ohio, and New York.
- Cyclosporiasis is caused by the Cyclospora parasite, which infects the bowels and spreads through feces-contaminated food or water, leading to symptoms such as watery diarrhea, cramping, nausea, and fatigue; it is treatable with antibiotics and has not resulted in deaths in the current outbreak.
- Health officials have not yet identified a specific produce supplier or item responsible for the outbreak, and no Taco Bell customers have been reported ill so far; the CDC advises people with persistent diarrhea to seek medical attention.
- Preventative measures include avoiding potentially contaminated food and water and thoroughly washing produce before consumption, although the outbreak has not been declared a national health emergency.
