FDA Probes Iceberg Lettuce as Source of Multi-State Cyclosporiasis Outbreak
FDA investigates iceberg lettuce linked to Taco Bell in a cyclosporiasis outbreak affecting five states.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is examining iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms to Taco Bell as a potential source of a cyclosporiasis outbreak affecting five states. The outbreak, which causes severe diarrhea lasting weeks, has impacted Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia, according to sources familiar with the investigation.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that nearly 7,000 individuals may have been affected, with 1,645 cases confirmed and over 5,100 still under investigation. No fatalities have been reported, but Michigan has experienced the most significant impact with 4,312 cases, including 102 hospitalizations.
Taco Bell has proactively removed the suspect lettuce from its supply chain nationwide and plans to replace it in selected states within a day. In a statement, Taco Bell emphasized the importance of public health collaboration among restaurants, suppliers, and authorities, urging other foodservice operators to take similar precautions.
Michigan health officials had previously identified lettuce and salad greens as potential culprits after conducting over 1,000 interviews with affected individuals. The delay in pinpointing the outbreak's source is attributed to the parasite's incubation period, which can extend up to two weeks.
Previous Incidents Involving Taylor Farms
This isn't the first time Taylor Farms has been linked to a cyclosporiasis outbreak. In 2013, a salad mix from a Taylor Farms plant in Mexico was connected to 631 illnesses in 25 states, primarily among patrons of Olive Garden and Red Lobster. Additionally, in 2024, Taylor Farms was associated with an E. coli outbreak linked to slivered onions on McDonald's Quarter Pounder burgers, resulting in 104 illnesses across 14 states and one fatality.
As the FDA continues its investigation, health officials believe multiple outbreaks could be occurring across at least 34 states. The origin of cases in states beyond those initially identified remains uncertain.
Taylor Farms has yet to respond to requests for comment. Meanwhile, the CDC's investigation continues, with the number of confirmed cases likely to rise as more data becomes available.