Some Taco Bell locations have temporarily halted the sale of lettuce, guacamole, and other products containing leafy greens
A cyclospora outbreak is spreading across the Midwest and has sickened more than 3,000 people in Michigan and Ohio, with the investigation pointing to lettuce or other leafy greens as a potential source.
Health officials are also investigating whether Taco Bell played a role in the outbreak of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic gastrointestinal illness.
In response to the ongoing probe, some Detroit-area Taco Bell locations posted a nationwide recall, temporarily halting the sale of lettuce, guacamole, and other products containing leafy greens.
Public health experts note that while some patients reported eating at Taco Bell, others did not, suggesting the contaminated produce extends beyond the fast-food chain.
The parasite causes delayed symptoms, making it difficult to track. The disease is not deadly, but it can cause dehydration.
The parasite can spread when tiny traces of infected human feces enter water, contaminating fresh produce through agricultural irrigation or post-harvest washing. Foods that hold a lot of moisture, such as leafy greens, are more likely to be affected.
People are advised to wash their hands and eat cooked vegetables to reduce the risk of contamination.