Taylor Farms, a major fresh produce supplier, is preparing to recall ingredients associated with a widening outbreak of the parasite Cyclospora, according to a report from Bloomberg News.
The parasite has been linked to severe diarrhea, fatigue, and nausea, sickening thousands in Michigan and surrounding states. Federal health officials on Thursday connected the illnesses to shredded lettuce served at Taco Bell, identifying a single supplier.
In response, Taco Bell removed some lettuce from its Midwest restaurants earlier this week. The potential recall by Taylor Farms marks a significant development in identifying the source of the outbreak.
The exact scope of the recall and which specific Taylor Farms products will be affected were not immediately clear. Taylor Farms and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Cyclospora is an intestinal parasite that causes illness when people consume food or water contaminated with infected feces. Symptoms typically appear about a week after consuming the contaminated source and can last for several weeks or longer if untreated.