Taylor Farms has initiated a voluntary recall of all iceberg lettuce originating from central Mexico. The decision follows reports linking the produce to an outbreak of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic infection that affects the small intestine and causes symptoms such as watery diarrhea, vomiting, and flu-like aches.
The recall impacts major distributors and restaurant chains, including Taco Bell and Sysco. Taco Bell confirmed that it is indefinitely removing the affected ingredient from its national supply chain, noting that replacements would be available in select states within 24 hours. While the outbreak has been linked to shredded lettuce served at Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia, health officials are still investigating the full scope of the contamination.
According to the FDA, the investigation is currently focused on a specific independent farm in Mexico that accounts for less than 1% of the total U.S. iceberg lettuce supply. However, Taylor Farms has opted to remove all lettuce from the region indefinitely as a precaution. The FDA and state partners continue to monitor the situation, warning that additional retailers or products could be implicated as the investigation proceeds.
The effort to trace the source of the outbreak faces challenges, as federal agencies have recently faced budget cuts and delays in implementing new food traceability regulations. The CDC is also investigating separate, unrelated outbreaks in other states. Currently, no other specific companies or products have been identified for avoidance.
Source: The Verge
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