Investigation Into Taco Bell Lettuce Supply

Recent reports indicate that shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms, sold at certain Taco Bell locations, is under scrutiny as a potential source of cyclosporiasis outbreaks in several states.

A Thursday statement from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) mentioned that Taylor Farms is the identified supplier linked to 1,645 confirmed cases of the illness. This lettuce was distributed to Taco Bell outlets in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia. However, health officials suspect the actual case number could be significantly higher—over 4,300 cases have been reported in Michigan alone.

“The signals we got were that a very high percentage of people got sick at Taco Bell. When investigators asked what the menus had in common, lettuce came up frequently,” a source revealed.

This news surfaced shortly after Taco Bell announced it would be temporarily removing the ingredient from some of its menus as a precaution.

“As a precautionary measure, Taco Bell has voluntarily and temporarily removed limited ingredients from some restaurants as authorities continue their extensive investigation,” the company stated. “We will continue to closely monitor the situation and follow the guidance of public health officials.”

Cyclosporiasis can be contracted through contaminated food or water, with previous outbreaks connected to fresh produce.

Symptoms of the illness include watery diarrhea, cramps, bloating, and fatigue, lasting several weeks.