Food Safety
FDA: Taco Bell Lettuce Supplier Source of Multistate Cyclosporiasis Outbreak
Traceback investigation identified single supplier of lettuce from Mexico.
Based on epidemiological information collected by CDC, over 1,600 people infected with Cyclospora and reporting exposure to Taco Bell have been reported by five states. Illnesses started on dates ranging from May 13, to July 13.
The FDA and CDC are investigating a multistate outbreak of Cyclospora illnesses linked to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia. The illnesses included in this outbreak are a subset of the Cyclospora illnesses identified nationwide.
Based on epidemiological information collected by CDC, over 1,600 people infected with Cyclospora and reporting exposure to Taco Bell have been reported by five states.
Illnesses started on dates ranging from May 13, to July 13. There have been 94 hospitalizations, and no deaths have been reported.
Food exposure details from 190 of the cases who reported eating at Taco Bell and shared these findings with CDC. Ingredient level analyses on meals eaten by these cases indicate that 90% of those interviewed reported eating iceberg lettuce.
FDA’s traceback investigation has identified convergence on a single supplier of iceberg lettuce from Mexico used by Taco Bell locations where sick people ate before becoming ill.
FDA is working directly with the identified supplier to determine if potentially contaminated shredded iceberg lettuce remains on the market. As part of this investigation, FDA and state partners have initiated collection of product samples for testing and analysis. Additionally, FDA has increased screening at the border for products implicated in the outbreak.
FDA is also working with Taco Bell and they have committed to stop using any lettuce from the supplier identified by FDA’s traceback investigation.
FDA and state partners are actively investigating the source and scope of the contamination. Because the investigation remains ongoing, additional implicated brands, restaurants, retailers, or distribution channels may be identified as the investigation continues.
Get the latest on the outbreak from our partner brand, Food Safety.
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