A Cyclospora parasite outbreak has drawn attention to lettuce and other fresh greens, as investigators examine a potential connection to illnesses reported after visits to certain Taco Bell locations. State and federal health officials, including the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the CDC, and the FDA, are involved in the ongoing probe.
Taco Bell has voluntarily removed select fresh ingredients from some of its restaurants as a precautionary measure while the investigation continues. The company stated that public health officials have not confirmed a link to Taco Bell or any specific ingredient, supplier, or restaurant.
Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite, Cyclospora cayetanensis, that infects the small intestine after consumption of contaminated food or water, according to the CDC. Since May 1, the CDC has reported 1,645 domestic cases, with over 5,100 additional suspected cases under investigation. A total of 145 individuals have been hospitalized. While generally not life-threatening, the parasite can cause severe and prolonged diarrhea if not diagnosed and treated.
Doctors are advising consumers on food safety practices amidst the concerns. While the exact source of the outbreak remains unidentified, interviews with affected individuals have frequently pointed to lettuce and salad greens as common exposures. Some medical experts suggest that while the overall risk remains low, thorough washing of all produce is crucial. Registered dietitian nutritionist Caroline Margolis recommends avoiding prewashed, bagged lettuce and salad mixes for now. Instead, she advises choosing whole heads of lettuce, discarding the outer leaves, and washing them thoroughly under running water.
For those seeking additional precautions, frozen and canned produce are suggested as potentially safer alternatives. The CDC’s recommendations for safe food handling include washing hands thoroughly before and after preparing raw fruits and vegetables, washing all produce under running water, scrubbing firm produce with a clean brush, cutting away any damaged areas, and refrigerating cut or cooked items promptly. Doctors emphasize that fruits and vegetables remain an essential part of a healthy diet, and by following these preventive steps, consumers can continue to enjoy these nutritious foods safely.