Taco Bell Lettuce Under Investigation Amid Cyclosporiasis Outbreak

Why it matters locally: As a national outbreak, North Carolina residents who have consumed Taco Bell products containing iceberg lettuce could be affected. State health officials would coordinate with federal agencies should cases arise locally.

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Federal health officials are investigating iceberg lettuce supplied to Taco Bell as a possible cause of a widespread cyclosporiasis outbreak. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) currently examines a potential connection to the produce from Taylor Farms. The outbreak has affected thousands of individuals across 34 states. Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the parasite *Cyclospora cayetanensis*. Taco Bell announced a voluntary recall of some potentially impacted lettuce from its restaurants. The company initiated this action as a precautionary measure during the ongoing investigation.