Taylor Farms Pulls Mexican Iceberg Lettuce After Diarrhea Outbreak Raises Safety Concerns
Health officials want to make sure you know that if you ate shredded lettuce recently at Taco Bell in a few states, you should be aware of something. Taylor Farms is one of the nation’s largest suppliers of fresh produce. They have pulled their iceberg lettuce from Mexico after investigators found it linked to an outbreak of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic disease that can cause severe diarrhea for weeks.
It is becoming clear that this outbreak of cyclospora in the US is one of the biggest ever. There are thousands of cases suspected across dozens of states. What’s been confirmed and what Taco Bell and Taylor Farms are doing to combat it.
What happened: the Outbreak timeline
In recent weeks, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration began an investigation into a sudden increase in cyclospora infections across the United States. Michigan health officials reported over 5,000 cases linked to the outbreak. Nationwide, close to 7,000 cases may have been associated with this outbreak. Over 1,600 confirmed cases were officially recorded as of this week.
The CDC released a warning late Thursday telling people to avoid eating shredded iceberg salad served by Taco Bell in Indiana. Kentucky, Michigan. Ohio and West Virginia. Investigators in Michigan found that 90% of people who became ill after eating at Taco Bell reported specifically eating iceberg salad.
An FDA traceback investigation identified the source of the lettuce affected as Taylor Farms, based in Salinas, California. This company has an annual revenue of approximately $7 billion and is one of the largest names in the salad and fresh produce industry.
Why Taylor Farms Has Pulled All Its Mexican Iceberg Lettuce
Taylor Fresh Foods responded by removing all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico. This was done voluntarily, even though FDA tracebacks pointed to an independent farm that accounted for less than 1% the total supply of iceberg lettuce in the US. According to the company, the FDA provided the information that led them to the decision.
Taylor Farms has clarified that none of its own branded products sold in grocery stores contain iceberg salad. This means the recall is specific to the shredded lettuce provided to restaurant chains such as Taco Bell, and not to packaged retail products.
Taco Bell’s Response
Taco Bell acted quickly after the FDA and CDC raised the issue. It said it took immediate action by removing the potentially impacted leaves from its supply chain. The company stated that the ingredient would be removed indefinitely from all locations and replaced within 24 hours in those affected.
What Cyclospora Is and Why It Is Hard to Catch
The microscopic parasite Cyclospora causes cyclosporiasis, an intestinal disease. Untreated, prolonged diarrhea can last weeks. It is often accompanied by fatigue, cramping, and nausea.
The fact that foodborne illness tests don’t always detect cyclospora is one of the reasons why it can be difficult to pinpoint cyclospora. Scientists can’t grow the parasite easily in a laboratory, making it difficult to confirm contamination from food samples. Investigators must often rely on interviews of sick patients to identify a common component. This is made more difficult when that ingredient is used in many different dishes, such as lettuce, basil, or cilantro.
A Familiar Pattern for Taylor Farms
Taylor Farms has had a brush with this parasite before. In 2013, the company was linked to an outbreak of cyclosporiasis, highlighting how difficult it can be to trace these contaminations across the supply chain for fresh produce.
Is this outbreak bigger than just Taco Bell?
Health officials have made it clear that not all recent cyclospora cases in the United States are necessarily linked to the Taco Bell cluster. In states such as North Carolina, Illinois, and Maryland, there have been higher case counts. More than 300 cases were reported in North Carolina, with over 230 in Wake County. Most of those who became ill in these regions did not eat at Taco Bell.
Officials say that because a few major suppliers, like Taylor Farms, provide lettuce to an array of restaurants and retailers across the country, it is possible but not confirmed that some of these clusters trace back to the same supply chain. The investigation by the CDC is still ongoing.
What you should do right now
You should contact your doctor if you have experienced prolonged diarrhea, fatigue, or stomach cramps after eating shredded iceberg at a Taco Bell in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, or West Virginia. Once diagnosed, cyclosporiasis can be treated with antibiotics. However, symptoms may persist for several weeks.
This warning does not affect lettuce served in supermarkets or other restaurants. Therefore, there is no need to avoid iceberg salad in general.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes cyclosporiasis, and how is it spread?
Cyclospora, a parasite, is responsible for the intestinal disease cyclosporiasis. It is spread by contaminated water or food, usually fresh produce.
Which Taco Bell restaurants are affected by this?
The CDC has issued a warning to Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia.
Does Taylor Farms have to recall all its products?
No. The company has removed iceberg lettuce from central Mexico. Taylor Farms confirmed that none of their branded grocery store kits contain iceberg or are connected to this outbreak.
How sick are you?
Health officials estimate that the true number of cases could be closer to 7,000 across the country.
What symptoms are associated with cyclosporiasis?
Common symptoms include fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, and stomach cramps.
Where is Taylor Farms?
Taylor Farms has its headquarters in Salina,n California, and is among the biggest fresh produce and salad suppliers in the United States.
Final Thoughts
This outbreak serves as a reminder that the modern food supply chain can be complex. A single issue with a supplier can affect restaurants across the country before it is fully understood. More updates will be expected as the CDC and FDA investigate.
Want the latest information on the food safety issue? Then follow USA Times Square to get the most recent updates. Health officials are continuing their investigation into the cause and scope of the outbreak.