Taco Bell holds the lettuce in some states, citing cyclospora risk
Taco Bell has narrowed its focus on content linked to the ongoing cyclosporiasis epidemic that has sickened thousands of people across the country. Suspected culprit: lettuce.
The fast food chain said on July 16 that it removed the romaine from one of its suppliers in selected states following reports that the ingredient was linked to cases of romaine growing. stomach churning parasite infection It causes diarrhea and nausea in many states.
“Based on ongoing discussions with public health officials and out of an abundance of caution, Taco Bell took immediate action to voluntarily remove potentially affected romaine from a supplier in certain states,” the company said in a statement. he said.
The lettuce supplied by the vendor will be “indefinitely removed” from the nationwide supply chain and replaced within 24 hours in the affected states. According to Taco Bell. The company did not identify the supplier or specify which states were affected by the removal.
Taco Bell said on Wednesday, July 15: Supplies have been removed from some stores What the fast food chain said was a precautionary move.
Centers for Disease Control and PreventionThe Food and Drug Administration and several states are investigating increasing cases of cyclosporiasis, a disease caused by the parasite. Cyclospora cayetanensis. Infection can cause frequent, watery diarrhea or explosive bowel movements, nausea, cramps, bloating, and low-grade fever.
The epidemic is especially Hit Michigan hard. The state health department reported Thursday, July 16: 4,312 cases statewide from rapidly progressive gastrointestinal disease. At least 102 people have been hospitalized in the state since June 22, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Infections increased in all 34 states.
Earlier in the week, health officials in Michigan said romaine lettuce could be a possible source but had not yet ruled out other items.
Taco Bell’s statement signaled that this would not be the last restaurant to make a lettuce move.
“While no official recommendations have been issued, we believe public health is a shared responsibility between restaurants, their suppliers and authorities, and we are proud to have consistently acted quickly and proactively to protect our guests,” the company said in a statement. The statement was included. “Taco Bell has taken injunctive relief and we encourage all concerned restaurants, retailers and food service operators to do the same.”
Credits: Melina Khan, Sara Moniuszko and Kristen Jordan Shamus, USA TODAY; Reuters
This article first appeared on USA TODAY: Taco Bell holds lettuce in some states, citing cyclospora risk
