Taco Bell said Tuesday it has temporarily removed some ingredients at some of its resturants as a precautionary measure amid an outbreak of cyclosporiasis.
“The health and safety of our guests is our top priority,” Taco Bell Corp said in a statement. “Public health officials have not confirmed a link to Taco Bell or any specific ingredient, supplier, restaurant or retailer. While authorities continue their broader review, Taco Bell has voluntarily and temporarily removed limited ingredients at select restaurants as a precautionary measure. We will continue to closely monitor the situation and follow the guidance of public health authorities.“
The news comes as cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness caused by a parasite, have grown to over 3,700 in Michigan, the state’s health department said. At least 44 people have been hospitalized.
Michigan health officials said lettuce or salad greens could be the source of illnesses in the state.
Federal health officials said during a press conference on Tuesday they still have not confirmed a source of the outbreak in Michigan.
“We are aware of the signal for lettuce that’s been noted by our Michigan partners. What I can say at this point is that we’re continuing our traceback investigation on multiple produce items, including the lettuce,” said Donald Prate, the Food and Drug Administration’s acting deputy commissioner for food.
The outbreak was first identified on June 29, when the Monroe County Health Department announced it was investigating some cases.
The parasite usually spreads through food or water contaminated with feces, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It does not typically spread person-to-person.
