The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has connected a significant outbreak of cyclosporiasis to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell restaurants in several states. This illness is caused by a parasite found in food or water contaminated with feces.
The affected locations include Taco Bell outlets in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia. The CDC is advising consumers in these areas to avoid eating shredded lettuce from these restaurants.
Two unnamed federal officials disclosed that the CDC identified Taylor Farms as the supplier of the lettuce. Taylor Farms is a major producer of fresh produce in the U.S. Their bagged lettuce and salad kits are available in many grocery stores, such as Safeway, Whole Foods, Target, and Walmart.
Taylor Farms issued a statement on Friday, clarifying that none of their branded salads or kits have been linked to the outbreak. They emphasized that their branded salad kits do not contain iceberg lettuce. The company is voluntarily withdrawing all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) mentioned on Thursday that other brands, restaurants, and distribution channels might still be identified as the investigation into cyclosporiasis outbreaks continues across the country.
Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, head of the Michigan health department, urges everyone to be cautious about the origin of the lettuce they consume, whether at home or in dining establishments. As the investigation is ongoing, checking the source of both bagged and whole-head lettuce is recommended.
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