Several Taco Bell locations have temporarily removed several fresh produce items from their menus due to outbreaks of Cyclospora parasite infections.
The restaurant chain posted notices at some locations saying it could not serve lettuce, pica de gallo, guacamole, cilantro and onions due to the outbreak, which has infected a total of nearly 1,500 people nationwide.
All menu items are still available, but are being served without the named ingredients, according to the restaurant chain.
The Cyclospora cases are part of several outbreaks that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state health departments are investigating. More than 990 cases have been reported in Michigan alone. The state health department reports it typically sees only about 50 cases per year.
The specific source of the parasite is not yet known, but it is commonly associated with fresh produce. Food safety experts say washing produce doesn’t remove microscopic parasites. The illness is now suspected to be linked to contaminated produce rather than restaurants preparing meals at home.
Introduction to Cyclospora
Anyone who develops symptoms of Cyclospora infection and has reason to believe they have been exposed to the parasite should seek medical attention. Specific tests are required and antibiotics are used to fight parasites.
Cyclospora infection can cause severe abdominal pain, severe watery diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, body aches, and fatigue. Symptoms may appear between 2 and 14 days after exposure. Although symptoms can be severe enough to send people to the hospital, death from Cyclospora infection is rare.
Cyclospora is a type of protozoa, small single-celled organisms. It is spread when people ingest contaminated feces, usually through contaminated food or water. Unlike E. coli or Salmonella, which can also be transmitted in animal feces, it can only be transmitted through human feces.
