A recent cyclospora outbreak linked to lettuce from Taylor Farms has resulted in over 1,600 reported illnesses.
>
The outbreak of cyclosporiasis, traced back to lettuce sourced from Taylor Farms in central Mexico, has affected 1,644 individuals, with 94 requiring hospitalization. The FDA has identified a connection between the contaminated lettuce and Taco Bell restaurants across several states, including Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia, which received the recalled iceberg lettuce.
In response to the outbreak, Taco Bell promptly and voluntarily removed the affected lettuce from its supply chain. The company also issued an online statement to reassure customers of the safety of its food and its dedication to public health. “We believe public health is a shared responsibility among restaurants, their suppliers, and authorities, and we are proud to have consistently acted quickly and proactively to protect our guests,” the statement read. The chain urged all relevant dining establishments, retailers, and food service providers to follow suit with precautionary measures.
The fast-food giant also communicated directly with customers via Instagram, emphasizing its commitment to health and safety. The post read, “We want you to hear it from us. We take your health and safety seriously and have removed all affected Taylor Farms lettuce from Taco Bell stores. So go ahead and enjoy your Taco Bell today. You always got us. We always got you. See you in the drive-thru.”
The shredded lettuce is sold at Walmart and other retailers, with a full list of the recalled products right here. Taylor Farms says the shredded iceberg product was distributed June 29 through July 16 in states including Alabama, Connecticut, Georgia, Massachusetts, and Texas (the recalled lettuce is being pulled across 27 states so far). California and New York are not included in the recall.
Taylor Farms issued a recall after Taco Bell did, releasing a statement about the outbreak. “Based on information provided yesterday by the FDA, Taylor Farms de Mexico is voluntarily removing all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico from the U.S. market,” the company said. “While the FDA traceback is indicating a specific independent farm that represents less than 1% of the U.S.’s iceberg lettuce supply as the potential source of the outbreak, we have removed all iceberg lettuce from the region indefinitely.”
According to the FDA, the most common symptom of cyclospora is diarrhea with frequent bowel movements. “Other common symptoms include loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramps/pain, bloating, increased gas, nausea, and fatigue. Vomiting, body aches, headache, and fever may be noted. Some people who are infected with Cyclospora do not have any symptoms,” the agency says.
Customers are being warned to not eat any recalled lettuce, but to throw it away or return it to where it was bought. Surfaces and items that may have touched the recalled lettuce should be thoroughly cleaned with hot soapy water or the dishwasher.