In brief
A sample of iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms tested positive for Cyclospora, the parasite behind a U.S. outbreak that has infected thousands and hospitalized 94 people. The FDA noted the contaminated lot was not part of the company’s current recall and is investigating whether any product remains in commerce. The United States’ food safety agencies urge consumers to avoid shredded iceberg lettuce sold at Taco Bell in several states while the company removes affected stock. No deaths have yet been reported, but the illness can cause severe, prolonged diarrhoea and weight loss.
Health officials identify source of US explosive diarrhoea outbreak
A sample of iceberg lettuce from the food supplier Taylor Farms has tested positive for the parasite that caused an explosive diarrhoea outbreak affecting thousands of people in the US, officials said.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said the sample was taken from a product not part of a recall announced on Friday.
Taylor Farms voluntarily removed all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico and issued a list of affected products. The recall is broader than a product removal and requires the company to notify customers and recover the food from commerce.
While no deaths have been reported, at least 94 people have been hospitalised due to cyclosporiasis infections. Symptoms can appear up to two weeks after ingestion, including watery diarrhoea, sudden weight loss and loss of appetite.
The CDC identified the infection in five states—Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia—where Taco Bell restaurants sold shredded iceberg lettuce. Taco Bell confirmed it had removed any affected lettuce from its locations.
Taylor Farms stated it had stopped receiving product from the implicated lot, suspended distribution of the iceberg lettuce from Central Mexico, notified its customers, and is working with the FDA, CDC and state authorities.
For more information, visit Taylor Farms’ official statement and the FDA’s updated recall notices.
