WASHINGTON, July 16 (DC Times Online) — Federal and state health officials are still tracing a cyclosporiasis outbreak that has sickened thousands in Michigan, while the state health department says current evidence points to lettuce or salad greens rather than any one Taco Bell item.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services said its latest results point to lettuce or salad greens as a possible source for the outbreak, but other foods cannot be ruled out. The department said no specific type of produce, grower, supplier or brand has been identified.
The Washington Post reported, citing two people familiar with the matter, that federal and state officials are also investigating whether Taco Bell restaurants played a role. Fox Business reported that Taco Bell said public health officials have not confirmed a link to the chain or to any specific ingredient, supplier, restaurant or retailer.
In a statement, Taco Bell said it had “voluntarily and temporarily removed limited ingredients at select restaurants” while it continued to monitor the situation. The company said it was following guidance from public health authorities.
Fox Business also reported that the Food and Drug Administration had not announced a Taco Bell recall and that no public notice on the agency’s website linked Taco Bell to the outbreak.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had confirmed 843 Cyclospora cases across 31 states since May, with 86 hospitalizations. Michigan health officials have said the state has logged thousands of cases in the outbreak.
Cyclosporiasis is a parasitic illness that can cause prolonged diarrhea and other stomach problems. Health officials have not identified a single restaurant, supplier or produce item as the source of the outbreak.
