Taco Bell temporarily removed lettuce, cilantro, onions at select restaurants as cyclosporiasis cases rise to 1,645. The CDC reports 141 hospitalizations. Michigan points to lettuce as a potential source.
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Taco Bell pulled some ingredients from select restaurants Tuesday, a voluntary move the chain said comes as a precaution while a cyclosporiasis outbreak spreads across the U.S. Health officials have not tied the outbreak to Taco Bell or any specific product, the company said.
"Public health officials have not confirmed a link to Taco Bell or any specific ingredient, supplier, restaurant or retailer," Taco Bell said in a statement. The chain said it would keep monitoring the situation and follow guidance from public health authorities.
The ingredients removed include lettuce, cilantro, onions, pico de gallo and guacamole, according to The Washington Post.
Lab-confirmed cyclosporiasis cases hit 1,645 as of Tuesday, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said. That is more than 800 higher than the CDC's update a week earlier. The outbreak began May 1 and is centered in Michigan, with Ohio and New York also reporting high case counts. Infections have led to 141 hospitalizations through July 13. No deaths have been reported. The CDC said it is also aware of more than 5,100 additional cases that still need analysis and confirmation.
Michigan health authorities have linked lettuce or other greens as a potential source of the outbreak, though they have not ruled out other food items. The agency advised consumers to buy whole heads of lettuce, discard the outer layers and wash the rest thoroughly. They also suggested avoiding bagged lettuce and pre-mixed salad kits.
For Yum! Brands, Taco Bell's parent company, the precautionary removal carries near-term risk. A prolonged outbreak or a confirmed link to any ingredient could pressure same-store sales, especially if consumers avoid the chain. Taco Bell has not disclosed how many restaurants are affected or the financial impact of the ingredient removal. The company reports second-quarter earnings next month, and analysts will be watching for any signs of a demand shift.
Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that causes watery diarrhea and spreads through feces-contaminated food or water. Outbreaks tend to occur in late spring and summer. The CDC says the current outbreak is one of the largest on record.
The CDC said it is aware of more than 5,100 additional cases that require further analysis.
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