The US is facing a food-related health concern after thousands of people across several states fell ill. According to health officials, many people became sick after consuming shredded iceberg lettuce at some Taco Bell restaurants. The lettuce was contaminated with a tiny parasite called Cyclospora. Read on to know more!
Cyclospora Outbreak In The US Linked To Taco Bell Lettuce
As per the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), found cyclospora is the shredded iceberg lettuce supplied to some Taco Bell outlets. Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that causes an intestinal infection known as cyclosporiasis. The illness commonly leads to watery diarrhoea, loss of appetite, stomach discomfort, and weight loss.
Hindustan Times reported that as per CDC reports, there are 1,600 confirmed cases linked to people who consumed food at Taco Bell restaurants located in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia. However, officials believe the real number of cases could be higher because many people still have not been tested.
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What Have Officials Advised People To Do?
Till the situation gets under control and the investigation continues, people are advised not to consume shredded iceberg lettuce at Taco Bell locations in the five affected states. According to Hindustan Times, Taco Bell has also removed lettuce supplied by the identified supplier. According to the restaurant, the ingredient will be replaced within 24 hours at affected outlets.
During the investigation, the FDA found that the contaminated lettuce was supplied by a company in Mexico. Authorities are now checking if the same lettuce was supplied elsewhere as well. Some reports have pointed to Taylor Farms as a possible source of the contaminated lettuce.
Michigan has reported the highest number of cyclospora cases this year, with more than 4,300 people falling sick and 102 being hospitalised. Thankfully, no deaths have been reported.
We hope the situation gets under control soon!
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Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons/ Michael Rivera
FAQs
How people in the US got sick after eating at Taco Bell?
People in the US fell sick after eating shredded iceberg lettuce contaminated with the Cyclospora parasite at some Taco Bell restaurants.
Which Taco Bell locations in the US were linked to the contaminated shredded iceberg lettuce?
The contaminated shredded iceberg lettuce was linked to Taco Bell restaurants in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia.
How many confirmed cases have been linked to the contaminated shredded iceberg lettuce at Taco Bell?
According to the CDC, around 1,600 confirmed cases have been linked to the contaminated shredded iceberg lettuce served at some Taco Bell restaurants.