Hold the lettuce! The popular fast‑food chain Taco Bell has pulled shredded iceberg lettuce from menus across several U.S. states after a parasite outbreak hit its customers.
Health agencies say the parasite, known as cyclosporiasis, was likely spread by the green topping. The CDC reports 1,645 people connected to Taco Bell have been infected, mostly in Michigan.
The FDA has issued a warning that any lettuce from Mexico supplied to Taco Bell in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia should be avoided. The chain states that the lettuce from one specific supplier will be removed forever and replaced with a safer alternative.
While no deaths have been confirmed, 94 people were hospitalised after eating the tainted lettuce. Symptoms can take up to two weeks to show up, meaning people might not realise the risk until it's too late.
The problem is hard to trace, as the parasite is microscopic and the food supply chain is complex. Food‑safety experts say finding the exact source is like spotting a needle in a haystack.
If you’ve recently dined at Taco Bell, keep an eye on the menu. Skip the lettuce and give the chain a quick call if you’re ever unsure. In the meantime, Taco Bell says it’s working with health officials to keep everyone safe without overhauling the entire menu.
