Federal health officials in the United States have linked lettuce served at Taco Bell locations across five states to an outbreak of cyclospora, a parasite that causes diarrhea. According to US health authorities, approximately 1,645 people were infected across the affected states.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) identified lettuce from Mexico as the source of the outbreak. The FDA investigation traced the lettuce to a single supplier, though federal warnings did not publicly name the company responsible for the contamination.
In response to the findings, Taco Bell has removed lettuce from its menu in the United States. The outbreak has prompted action from both the company and federal health agencies to prevent further spread of the infection.
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