Taco Bell Removes Lettuce From Restaurants After Outbreak Sickens More Than 1,600 People

• Taco Bell lettuce recall.
• More than 1,600 people sickened.
• Outbreak affects five states.

Taco Bell has removed shredded iceberg lettuce from its restaurants across the United States after health officials linked it to a Cyclospora outbreak.

Investigators believe the contamination is connected to lettuce supplied by a single Mexican producer that was distributed to restaurants in several U.S. states over the past two months.

The parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis has caused severe diarrhea and other digestive illnesses among customers who ate food at the fast-food chain.

As the number of cases continues to rise, Taco Bell has implemented a nationwide Taco Bell lettuce recall, although the official public health alert is currently focused on five states.

FDA identifies lettuce linked to the outbreak

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) traced the illnesses to shredded iceberg lettuce supplied by a single Mexican vendor.

The FDA also advised consumers to avoid shredded iceberg lettuce at Taco Bell restaurants in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia while the investigation continues.

RELATED: Authorities Identify Food That May Be Causing the “Explosive Diarrhea” Outbreak as Cases Top 2,600

The reported illnesses involve people who ate at Taco Bell locations in those states between May 13 and July 13.

Health officials are still reviewing the product’s distribution to determine whether the potentially contaminated lettuce was also shipped to restaurants in other states.

Outbreak far exceeds previous years

The CDC has confirmed 1,644 cases of cyclosporiasis, with at least 94 people requiring hospitalization because of complications.

According to the agency, that represents 27 times more infections than were reported during the same period last year.

Officials warned that the actual number of cases could be even higher because some infected individuals never seek medical care or receive an incorrect diagnosis.

Cyclosporiasis can easily be mistaken for other gastrointestinal illnesses, making it difficult to determine exactly how many people have been affected.

Taco Bell expands lettuce recall nationwide

Although federal authorities have not ordered changes to Taco Bell’s supply chain, the company decided to voluntarily remove the potentially contaminated lettuce from all of its restaurants.

Taco Bell said the measure will remain in place indefinitely and applies nationwide—not just in the five states identified by health officials.

The company also stated that replacement products will be delivered within 24 hours to ensure menu items remain available.

Taco Bell announced the decision Friday through its official social media channels while health officials continue tracing the source of the contamination.

Health officials continue investigating

The FDA and CDC are still working to determine how the lettuce became contaminated and when it entered the affected restaurants.

At this time, officials have not said whether other restaurant chains received produce from the same supplier or whether other lettuce brands are at risk.

For now, consumers are advised not to eat shredded iceberg lettuce served at the affected Taco Bell locations until authorities confirm the risk has ended.

Anyone who consumed the product within the past two weeks should monitor their health closely for symptoms of illness.

Main symptoms of Cyclospora infection

The most common symptom is severe, frequent, and prolonged diarrhea, which may begin several days after eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water.

Other symptoms may include:

• Loss of appetite.
• Weight loss.
• Abdominal bloating.
• Nausea.
• Fatigue.
• Gas.
• General malaise.

Some patients also develop a low-grade fever and vomiting, although symptoms can vary depending on the individual’s overall health.

Health officials recommend seeking medical attention if symptoms persist, especially if signs of dehydration or rapid physical decline develop.

Recall aims to prevent additional illnesses

The nationwide Taco Bell lettuce recall is intended to reduce exposure while replacement products are introduced and investigators continue reviewing the supply chain.

According to the FDA, the speed of the recall will be critical to preventing the lettuce under investigation from remaining available at restaurants outside the initially affected states.

Authorities have not reported any deaths linked to the outbreak, but they continue to closely monitor the situation because of the high number of infections and hospitalizations.

The investigation will continue until officials identify the definitive source of the outbreak and confirm that food served at Taco Bell restaurants no longer poses a health risk, according to EFE and BBC.