Investigators have identified shredded iceberg lettuce supplied to Taco Bell as a possible source of a cyclosporiasis outbreak, according to the report. The produce was supplied by Taylor Farms, placing the company at the center of the ongoing food-safety investigation.
Cyclosporiasis is a parasitic illness, and health officials are working to determine how the contamination may have occurred. Based on the information available, the lettuce has been flagged as a potential link rather than a confirmed cause.
The report says the CDC connected the Taylor Farms produce supplied to Taco Bell to the outbreak, citing people familiar with the inquiry. That suggests investigators have narrowed their focus as they trace the source of the illnesses.
The development marks a significant step in the outbreak investigation, which is now focused on a widely used restaurant ingredient. Officials are expected to continue reviewing supply-chain and contamination details as they work to confirm the source.
