Cyclosporiasis outbreak possibly traced to lettuce from Mexico used by Taco Bell, source says
A nationwide cyclosporiasis outbreak has sickened thousands of people, and a source says a traceback investigation by the FDA identified a single supplier of iceberg lettuce from Mexico, Taylor Farms, that was used by Taco Bell locations in five states.
Intelligence analysis by Llama
A cyclosporiasis outbreak has spread to 34 states, sickening at least 1,645 people, and a source says a traceback investigation by the FDA identified a single supplier of iceberg lettuce from Mexico, Taylor Farms, that was used by Taco Bell locations in five states.
Cyclosporiasis is a type of food poisoning that can make you feel very sick. It's caused by a tiny parasite that can be found on fresh produce, like lettuce. To avoid getting sick, it's a good idea to wash your produce and cook your food when possible.
Analysis
A Nationwide Outbreak: Understanding Cyclosporiasis
Cyclosporiasis is a diarrheal illness caused by the parasite cyclospora, and the current outbreak has spread to 34 states, sickening at least 1,645 people. The symptoms of cyclosporiasis usually begin about a week after infection and can last anywhere from two days to two weeks or more. The illness can be spread when infected feces contaminate food and water.
The Investigation: A Single Supplier Identified
A traceback investigation by the FDA identified a single supplier of iceberg lettuce from Mexico, Taylor Farms, that was used by Taco Bell locations in five states. The FDA is investigating the supplier, and Taco Bell has taken immediate action to voluntarily remove potentially impacted lettuce from a supplier in select states. The affected ingredient from the supplier is being indefinitely removed from the supply chain nationwide and will be replaced within 24 hours in select states.
Food Safety Concerns
The outbreak has raised concerns about food safety and the potential for contamination. Experts say people are advised to wash all fresh produce and cook all food when possible. Dr. Nuwan Gunawardhana, an infectious disease expert at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, told CBS News that the best way to avoid ingesting the parasite is to cook your food, and brushing or scrubbing vegetables can also help get rid of it. However, he noted that the parasite is extremely adherent to surfaces, so it won't protect you 100%.
Key points
- A nationwide cyclosporiasis outbreak has spread to 34 states, sickening at least 1,645 people.
- A traceback investigation by the FDA identified a single supplier of iceberg lettuce from Mexico, Taylor Farms, that was used by Taco Bell locations in five states.
- The FDA is investigating the supplier, and Taco Bell has taken immediate action to voluntarily remove potentially impacted lettuce from a supplier in select states.
- Experts say people are advised to wash all fresh produce and cook all food when possible to avoid getting sick.
If the investigation identifies the source of the contamination and takes steps to prevent it in the future, the risk of cyclosporiasis outbreaks could decrease. Additionally, if people take steps to properly wash and cook their produce, they can reduce their risk of getting sick.
If the contamination is widespread and not properly addressed, the outbreak could continue to spread, and more people could get sick. Additionally, if people do not take steps to properly wash and cook their produce, they could continue to be at risk for cyclosporiasis.
