Taco Bell has voluntarily and temporarily removed select ingredients from some restaurant locations as a precautionary measure amid a multi-state outbreak of the gastrointestinal illness cyclosporiasis.
While the fast-food chain has taken this step, Taco Bell Corp. stated that public health officials have not confirmed a link between the illness and the restaurant chain, its suppliers, or any specific ingredient. The company has not publicly identified which locations have pared down their menus or which specific items were affected, though reports from the Detroit Free Press and other outlets indicate that some metro Detroit locations stopped selling lettuce, cilantro, onions, pico de gallo, and guacamole.
Scope of the Cyclosporiasis Outbreak
As of July 13, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 1,645 confirmed domestic cases of cyclosporiasis, with more than 5,100 additional cases under investigation. The illness has been reported in at least 34 states, with cases ranging in age from 2 to 95 years old.
Health officials are particularly focused on a cluster of cases in Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, and West Virginia. Michigan has been significantly impacted, with state health officials reporting more than 3,700 cases as of mid-July. CDC officials have noted that the number of cases is higher than in previous years, though the total count is likely higher than reported because some individuals recover without seeking medical care or testing.
Investigation Into Potential Sources
Federal and state investigators are currently working to identify the source of the parasite, Cyclospora cayetanensis. Investigators are interviewing patients to determine what they ate before becoming ill and are analyzing that data alongside laboratory testing.
While no specific grower, supplier, or food item has been definitively confirmed as the source, health officials in Michigan have stated that early information points to lettuce or salad greens as a potential culprit. However, state officials have emphasized that other food items cannot be ruled out. Donald Prater, the FDA’s Acting Deputy Commissioner for Food, confirmed that the agency is conducting a traceback investigation on multiple produce items, including locations reported by patients who became sick.
Understanding Cyclosporiasis
Cyclosporiasis is a parasitic infection that affects the bowels. It is known to cause symptoms including watery or "explosive" diarrhea, cramping, nausea, and fatigue. The parasite is typically associated with the late spring and summer months and is transmitted through feces-contaminated food or water.
Health experts note that while the number of cases has risen over the last decade due to better detection and climate factors, it remains less common than other foodborne illnesses like salmonella or E. coli.
Food Safety Guidance
Public health officials maintain that the health benefits of consuming fruits and vegetables outweigh the risks, but they recommend safe handling practices to minimize exposure to parasites:
- Washing: Fruits and vegetables should be washed thoroughly under running water. Produce labeled as "prewashed" does not need to be washed again at home.
- Scrubbing: Firm produce, such as cucumbers and melons, should be cleaned with a produce brush.
- Preparation: Remove any bruised or damaged areas on produce before eating or cooking.
- Temperature: Heating food to 158 degrees Fahrenheit or higher kills the parasite.
- Storage: Cut, peeled, or cooked fruits and vegetables should be refrigerated promptly.
Experts, including Dr. Kartik Cherabuddi of Tampa General Hospital, advise consumers to remain aware rather than alarmed, emphasizing that the focus should remain on proper preparation and safe handling of fresh produce.
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