Updated
Updated · Kotaku · Aug 3
Yum Brands Delayed Taco Bell Cyclospora Warning by 12 Days, Report Says
Updated
Updated · Kotaku · Aug 3

Yum Brands Delayed Taco Bell Cyclospora Warning by 12 Days, Report Says

3 articles · Updated · Kotaku · Aug 3

Summary

  • Bloomberg reported Yum Brands was alerted on July 2 that a Cyclospora outbreak was tied to some Taco Bell locations, but Taco Bell did not publicly confirm menu removals until July 14.
  • Michigan health officials followed up with requests for supply-chain and communications contacts, then sought outbreak documents by July 6 to help curb future cases and preserve public health.
  • Detroit-area Taco Bell stores began posting signs on July 7 saying lettuce and other produce were unavailable due to a “nationwide recall,” even though Taco Bell had not publicly confirmed one and officials had not requested a lettuce recall.
  • Taco Bell issued an in-app apology on July 18 saying it had removed Taylor Farms lettuce and produce, as the CDC counted more than 6,707 infections across 45 states and at least two deaths.

Insights

How did contaminated Taylor Farms lettuce stay in Taco Bell’s supply chain long enough for stores to post signs before any public recall?
What did Yum! Brands know on July 2, and could earlier public action have reduced Taco Bell-linked Cyclospora illnesses?