Taco Bell has removed lettuce from its menu in some U.S. states, citing investigations that reportedly link the ingredient to an outbreak of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic infection.
The company stated the decision was made "out of an abundance of caution" following discussions with health officials. While no official advisory has been issued, Taco Bell believes "public health is a shared responsibility among restaurants, their suppliers, and authorities."
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that approximately 7,000 people across 34 states have been infected with the parasite, which can spread through contaminated food or water. The most significant cluster of cases, over 3,300, has been reported in Michigan.
Lettuce from one supplier is being removed indefinitely and will be replaced. U.S. media has identified the supplier as Taylor Farms, though the company has not publicly confirmed this. Cyclosporiasis symptoms typically appear about two weeks after exposure and can include prolonged watery diarrhea, sudden weight loss, and loss of appetite.
Experts have noted the difficulty in tracing the parasite, a challenge potentially exacerbated by reductions in federal health agency funding. "This isn't like detecting a needle in a haystack. It's like detecting a microscopic portion of a needle in a haystack," Steven Manderach, executive director of the Association of Food and Drug Officials, told the BBC.