Taco Bell Lettuce Supplier Identified as Potential Source

Update: The CDC and FDA later linked Taco Bell lettuce to illnesses in five states. The original report, which called the supplier a potential source, follows.

Federal investigators have identified shredded iceberg lettuce supplied by California-based Taylor Farms to some Taco Bell restaurants as a potential source of the multistate Cyclospora outbreak that has sickened thousands of people across the United States.

According to multiple reports published Thursday, investigators tracing the outbreak believe the contaminated lettuce may be linked to illnesses reported in several states. The investigation remains ongoing, and health officials have not yet announced a final determination.

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Taco Bell has stated that public health officials have not confirmed a link between the restaurant chain, any specific ingredient, supplier, restaurant location or retailer. However, the company says it has voluntarily removed certain fresh ingredients from select locations as a precaution while federal and state investigators continue their work.

The outbreak involves Cyclospora cayetanensis, a parasite that can cause prolonged gastrointestinal illness. Symptoms may include severe watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, bloating, fatigue and loss of appetite. Illness often develops several days to two weeks after consuming contaminated food or water.

Michigan has reported the largest number of cases, with thousands of illnesses under investigation, while additional cases have been reported in numerous other states. Health officials continue to work to determine the full scope of the outbreak and whether additional food products or suppliers are involved.

Officials emphasize that the investigation is still active, and no nationwide recall of Taco Bell products has been announced at this time. Further updates are expected as laboratory testing and traceback investigations continue.

Also reported by: The Washington Post.