Fast-Food Chains Push Lettuce-Free Items as FDA Links Cyclospora Outbreak to Mexican Iceberg Lettuce
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Aug 3
Fast-Food Chains Push Lettuce-Free Items as FDA Links Cyclospora Outbreak to Mexican Iceberg Lettuce
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Aug 3
Summary
McDonald's, KFC, Taco Bell, Chick-fil-A, Wendy's and Burger King are steering customers toward menu items without shredded lettuce as a U.S. cyclospora outbreak spreads.
The FDA traced the outbreak to shredded iceberg lettuce from central Mexico; cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that causes cyclosporiasis, most commonly diarrhea.
McDonald's highlighted options such as the standard hamburger, Filet-O-Fish, Double Cheeseburger, Quarter Pounder with Cheese and Chicken McNuggets, while KFC's fried chicken, tenders, nuggets and Famous Bowl also avoid lettuce.
Taco Bell has promoted lettuce-free items including Mexican Pizza, Enchirito and Nacho Fries, while Chick-fil-A, Wendy's and Burger King also have sandwiches, nuggets and sides that omit lettuce.
The menu shifts show how restaurant chains are adapting quickly around a single implicated ingredient while awaiting further clarity on the outbreak's scope.