Taylor Farms, a lettuce supplier linked to a nationwide outbreak of the parasite Cyclospora, is reportedly preparing to recall ingredients that may be connected to the illnesses. The company informed U.S. regulators of its plan on Friday, according to a document viewed by Bloomberg News.
The full details of the potential recall remain unclear, and neither Taylor Farms, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), nor the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have issued a public statement.
On Thursday, the CDC updated its investigation into the cyclosporiasis outbreak, stating that tracing had connected illnesses to shredded iceberg lettuce from a single supplier in Mexico. This lettuce had been used at Taco Bell restaurants in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia.
Taco Bell issued a statement the same day, confirming it had voluntarily removed potentially impacted lettuce from a supplier in select states. The company stated the affected ingredient is being removed from its supply chain nationwide and will be replaced within 24 hours in affected states. Taco Bell emphasized its commitment to guest safety and encouraged other restaurants, retailers, and foodservice operators to take similar precautionary actions.
Two individuals familiar with the investigation, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, told The Washington Post that Taylor Farms was the supplier of the shredded iceberg lettuce. The CDC did not identify the supplier in its update.
Nationwide, at least 5,880 people in 41 states have been sickened by cyclosporiasis, which is caused by the cyclospora parasite. The CDC noted that it is also investigating other unrelated cyclosporiasis outbreaks and illnesses nationally.
Last week, prior to any official advisory, Taco Bell began removing several ingredients from its menus, including lettuce, pico de gallo, guacamole, and cilantro onion, posting notices at U.S. locations.