Culprit May Have Been Found in Midwest Cyclospora Outbreak

Lettuce from a major produce supplier appears to be linked to what may be the largest US outbreak of a hard-to-pronounce stomach bug. A source tells CNN that shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms, used at some Taco Bell locations, has been tied to a regional cyclospora outbreak in the Midwest. At least 400 cases across Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky are linked to that cluster, though investigators say the same lettuce may have been shipped elsewhere. Federal investigators later confirmed shredded lettuce served at Taco Bell was under investigation for cases in those states as well as Indiana, and while they didn't name a supplier, sources who spoke to the Wall Street Journal and the Washington Post also pointed to Taylor Farms.

Nationwide, nearly 7,000 cases of cyclosporiasis have been reported or are under review since May 1—more than six times last year's tally at this point—with at least 141 hospitalizations, per CDC data. Michigan alone has logged over 4,300 cases and says the surge "strongly suggests" a single outbreak source, likely making this a record event. Taco Bell says it has voluntarily pulled the suspect lettuce from select states and is removing that ingredient from its supply chain nationwide. Taylor Farms, which also supplies grocery stores and has been linked to past outbreaks of cyclosporiasis as well as E. coli, did not comment. The parasite is typically picked up from tainted food or water and can cause weeks of watery diarrhea, cramps, and bloating. At least 34 states have reported cases of cyclosporiasis, but it's not yet clear whether all are linked.