Taco Bell has temporarily removed certain ingredients from some restaurants as a precaution while health officials investigate a multistate outbreak of cyclosporiasis, a gastrointestinal illness caused by the Cyclospora parasite, USA Today reports. Thousands of cases have been reported nationwide, with Tennessee health officials tracking an increase in cases across the state.
Cyclosporiasis Cases Climb in Tennessee as Nationwide Illnesses Continue to Rise
The fast-food chain has not identified which locations are affected or which menu items have changed, but reports indicate some restaurants have stopped serving ingredients such as lettuce and cilantro.
In a statement, Taco Bell said it has “voluntarily and temporarily removed limited ingredients at select restaurants as a precautionary measure” and will continue monitoring the situation while following guidance from public health officials.
The company said health officials have not confirmed a connection between the outbreak and Taco Bell, nor have they linked the illness to any specific ingredient, supplier, restaurant or retailer. State health departments have identified lettuce and other salad greens as possible sources of the outbreak, although investigators say other ingredients have not been ruled out.
Cyclosporiasis can cause symptoms including diarrhea, nausea, stomach cramps and fatigue. Health officials say the illness is usually linked to food or water contaminated with the parasite and continue to investigate the source of the outbreak.
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