Federal health officials have traced a widespread cyclospora outbreak to lettuce from Mexico that was served at Taco Bell restaurants in five U.S. states. The finding links the fast-food chain’s lettuce supply to illnesses caused by the diarrhea-inducing parasite.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the investigation identified the lettuce as the source of the outbreak. The announcement came late Thursday, marking a significant development in efforts to determine how the parasite spread across multiple states.
Cyclospora is a parasite known for causing gastrointestinal illness, including diarrhea. In this case, officials said the contaminated ingredient was lettuce used at Taco Bell locations, narrowing the focus of the outbreak investigation to a specific food item and supply origin.
The confirmation is likely to keep attention on produce safety and restaurant supply chains, especially when ingredients are imported and distributed widely. For now, the CDC’s conclusion provides a clearer picture of how the outbreak was connected to Taco Bell restaurants in the affected states.
