WASHINGTON, July 16 (DC Times Online) — Federal and state health officials are investigating whether Taco Bell restaurants played a role in a cyclosporiasis outbreak, even as Michigan health officials say lettuce or salad greens remain the leading suspected source and no specific produce, grower or supplier has been identified.
Taco Bell said public health officials have not confirmed a link to the chain or to any specific ingredient, supplier, restaurant or retailer. The company said it temporarily removed limited ingredients at select restaurants as a precaution while it continues to monitor the situation.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services said other food items cannot be completely ruled out. In a statement, the agency said current results point to lettuce or salad greens as a possible source.
The outbreak has been described by Michigan officials as the state’s largest parasitic outbreak. Federal case counts cited in reporting from the CDC put the multistate total at 843 confirmed cases across 31 states since May, with 86 hospitalizations.
