Updated
Updated · Her Campus · Jul 15
Taco Bell Pulls Lettuce, Tomato at Select Restaurants as Cyclospora Cases Spread to 31 States
Updated
Updated · Her Campus · Jul 15

Taco Bell Pulls Lettuce, Tomato at Select Restaurants as Cyclospora Cases Spread to 31 States

3 articles · Updated · Her Campus · Jul 15

Summary

  • Taco Bell said it temporarily removed lettuce and tomato at select restaurants as a precaution while U.S. health officials investigate a multistate cyclosporiasis outbreak.
  • 31 states have reported cases, but the CDC has not confirmed any specific ingredient, supplier, restaurant or retailer as the source; prior outbreaks have often been tied to fresh produce.
  • Chipotle and Restaurant Brands International said July 13 they were aware of the outbreak but had found no evidence linking their restaurant ingredients to the investigation.
  • CDC guidance still does not call for consumers to avoid fresh produce broadly, instead urging washing fruits and vegetables, handwashing and standard food-safety practices.

Insights

As the parasite spreads nationwide, what if the true source is not just lettuce but a far more common food ingredient?
With thousands sick and the CDC's tracking system weakened, is this massive outbreak a sign of a larger public health crisis?