Updated
Updated · Detroit Free Press · Jul 15
Michigan Cyclosporiasis Cases Hit 4,312 as Taco Bell Pulls Lettuce at Some Stores
Updated
Updated · Detroit Free Press · Jul 15

Michigan Cyclosporiasis Cases Hit 4,312 as Taco Bell Pulls Lettuce at Some Stores

3 articles · Updated · Detroit Free Press · Jul 15

Summary

  • Michigan reported 4,312 cyclosporiasis cases and 121 hospitalizations since June 22, extending what officials describe as a fast-growing outbreak with no confirmed source yet.
  • Lettuce and other salad greens are a leading focus for investigators, but Michigan's chief medical executive said no specific product has been definitively identified.
  • Taco Bell earlier removed lettuce and cilantro from some Michigan locations as a precaution, saying health officials have not linked the chain or any ingredient, supplier, restaurant or retailer to the outbreak.
  • Chipotle shares fell nearly 5% on July 15 even though the company said it does not believe its ingredients are tied to the national wave of infections, underscoring broader fallout for restaurant brands.

Insights

With a parasite that washing can't remove sickening thousands, is any salad truly safe to eat this summer?
Is climate change creating new dangers in our food supply by helping parasites thrive in farm fields?
As a massive foodborne outbreak spreads, why did national health agencies recently scale back their surveillance efforts?