Lettuce Outbreak Recall
Taylor Farms Voluntarily Recalls Central Mexico Iceberg Lettuce Due to Cyclosporiasis Outbreak
Anonymous
Taylor Farms is pulling all iceberg lettuce from one of its central Mexico farms off the US market after a cyclosporiasis outbreak was traced to the supplier, according to ABC7 News. The affected farm makes up less than 1% of the country's iceberg lettuce supply. No other Taylor Fresh Foods products are involved.
The outbreak has been linked to Taco Bell locations in five states: Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia. Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by a microscopic parasite. It can cause watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, and fatigue.
How the Outbreak Was Traced to One Farm
Health investigators identified a single farm in central Mexico as the likely source of the outbreak, according to ABC11. Taylor Farms then chose to remove all iceberg lettuce from that farm voluntarily. The company did not wait for a formal government recall order.
The farm supplies only a small slice of the US market — less than 1% of total iceberg lettuce. That limits how wide the contamination could have spread. Still, the company acted quickly to pull the product from shelves and distribution channels.
Taco Bell Locations in Five States Under Scrutiny
Cases have been tied to Taco Bell restaurants across five Midwestern and Appalachian states: Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia. Iceberg lettuce is commonly used in Taco Bell menu items like tacos and burritos. Investigators believe the contaminated lettuce reached customers through those locations.
It is not yet clear exactly how many people got sick. Cyclosporiasis can take one to two weeks to show symptoms after someone eats contaminated food. That delay can make it hard to track the source quickly.
What Cyclosporiasis Is and Why It Spreads Through Produce
Cyclosporiasis is caused by a parasite called Cyclospora cayetanensis. People get it by eating food or drinking water contaminated with the parasite's eggs, known as oocysts. Fresh produce like lettuce is a common vehicle because it is often eaten raw and not cooked first.
Symptoms include watery diarrhea, bloating, loss of appetite, and tiredness. The illness can last weeks if not treated. Doctors usually prescribe an antibiotic called trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole to clear the infection.
Taylor Farms Says Other Products Are Not Affected
Taylor Farms was clear that only the iceberg lettuce from this one central Mexico farm is being removed. All other Taylor Fresh Foods products sold across the country remain on shelves. The company said the action is voluntary and targeted, according to ABC7 NY.
Shoppers who recently bought iceberg lettuce and ate at an affected Taco Bell in those five states should watch for symptoms. The CDC advises anyone who feels sick to contact their doctor. Leftover lettuce from recent purchases should be thrown out as a precaution.
Sentiment
NeutralNEGATIVENEUTRALPOSITIVE
Publishers
5
Articles
4
Reach
5
A
AnonymousAuthor