A Taco Bell customer who experienced severe symptoms including explosive diarrhea and vomiting has linked his illness to a new menu item, as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) begins to re-examine its investigation into a widespread parasitic outbreak. The man, Alonso Zaragoza, 46, from Chicago, was hospitalized and placed on an IV drip after falling ill around July 11.
Zaragoza reported suffering from "no sleep, chills, fever, diarrhea [and] vomiting," losing five pounds in four days. He told NBC Chicago that after reviewing what he had eaten, the only item containing lettuce was a chalupa from the "luxe box" at Taco Bell, which he noted on the app and Google contained iceberg lettuce.
Doctors believe Zaragoza contracted cyclosporiasis, an intestinal disease caused by a microscopic parasite. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states cyclosporiasis is contracted by ingesting a microscopic parasite contaminated with human feces. According to Zaragoza, he was told by medical professionals that his illness was one of nearly 7,000 suspected cases across 34 states since May.
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The FDA is reportedly reassessing its investigation into the outbreak's source. A sample of lettuce from Taylor Farms, a Taco Bell supplier, that had initially tested positive for cyclospora has since been determined to be a false positive, according to an FDA statement on Sunday. Lab experts have re-reviewed the test results, and there are currently no confirmed positive product samples for cyclospora.
In response to the ongoing concerns, Taylor Farms issued a voluntary recall of all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico on Friday. Taco Bell announced last week that it had removed affected lettuce from its restaurants. Both companies have not immediately responded to requests for updates.
Zaragoza is urging others to be cautious about consuming raw greens, advising to "Stay hydrated, be careful at where you’re eating, making sure you wash, clean, and cook any greens that you’re eating."