Taco Bell Pulls Ingredients as ‘Explosive’ Parasite Outbreak Spreads

Taco Bell has temporarily removed several fresh ingredients from some restaurants as health officials investigate a growing outbreak of the Cyclospora parasite, which can trigger bouts of “explosive,” watery diarrhea. Signs posted at several Michigan locations say lettuce, pico de gallo, guacamole and cilantro-onion mix are unavailable. The ingredients are used in menu items including tacos, the Crunchwrap Supreme, and some Cantina Chicken offerings. The move comes as Michigan battles its largest recorded cyclosporiasis outbreak, with nearly 1,000 confirmed cases. Only 40 of those cases have required hospitalization. Health authorities have not identified the source of the parasite and it remains unclear whether any Taco Bell customers have been infected. Cyclospora spreads through contaminated water or raw produce contaminated with human waste, and it can take up to two weeks to cause symptoms. Seventeen states, including New York, Texas, Ohio, and Virginia, have reported cases. No deaths have been reported.

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