America connects Taco Bell lettuce to widespread intestinal illness caused by parasitic infection

US officials identified the source of a foodborne parasite outbreak causing diarrhea as shredded iceberg lettuce used by the fast food chain Taco Bell, on Friday.

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The contaminated lettuce was traced back to a single supplier in Mexico by a federal investigation led by the Food and Drug Administration, and was used by Taco Bell locations in five states, according to the Centres for Disease and Control.

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More than 1,644 people in five states—Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia—were confirmed to be infected with cyclosporiasis, which can cause severe diarrhea, among other symptoms.

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The outbreak has resulted in 94 hospitalisations, but no deaths, with all cases being lab-confirmed and linked specifically to the outbreak at Taco Bell locations in those states, the health agency reported.

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The figure of 1,644 only accounts for illnesses linked to the Taco Bell outbreak and does not include other cyclosporiasis infections from different causes.

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The CDC did not disclose the name of the supplier, but according to reports, Taylor Farms, a company with production facilities across the country, Canada, and Mexico, had sold the contaminated lettuce.

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Federal officials warned consumers against eating shredded iceberg lettuce from Taco Bell in the five affected states.

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Taco Bell has taken immediate action to remove potentially impacted lettuce from its supply chain in select states, the company said in a statement.

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The company also announced that the affected ingredient from its supplier will be replaced within 24 hours in select states and removed from its supply chain nationwide.

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Taco Bell emphasized that public health is a shared responsibility among restaurants, suppliers, and authorities, and expressed pride in its proactive measures to protect its guests.

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If left untreated, cyclosporiasis can last more than a month and may cause dehydration, although it is generally not life-threatening.

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In the past, various foods, including bagged salad mixes, fresh cilantro, and raspberries, have been linked to cyclosporiasis outbreaks.

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Health officials recommend washing produce thoroughly or cooking it, as heat above 158F (70C) can kill the parasite.

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Michigan has been particularly affected by cyclosporiasis this year, with over 5,000 reported cases.

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The FDA noted that individual state data often differs from national surveillance numbers due to the inclusion of both probable and confirmed cases, as well as a lag in reporting and updating national data.