FDA Identifies Lettuce Supplier in Parasite Outbreak Affecting Taco Bell Locations

Why it matters locally: While no specific cases have been publicly linked to Louisiana, consumers in the state who have recently eaten at Taco Bell locations should be aware of the ongoing national investigation into cyclospora contamination. The Louisiana Department of Health issues guidance on foodborne illnesses and prevention.

Federal investigators identified a single lettuce supplier in an outbreak of cyclospora, a parasite causing intestinal illness. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) investigation tracked the produce to a specific independent farm and linked it to cases in five states where Taco Bell operates. Taylor Fresh Foods, based in Salinas, California, stated that FDA testing indicated one of its affiliated independent farms supplied the contaminated lettuce. Federal warnings to consumers did not publicly name the company. Taco Bell confirmed that it received the lettuce implicated in the outbreak. The cyclospora parasite can cause watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, abdominal cramps, bloating, gas, nausea, and fatigue. The illness typically lasts for several weeks if untreated.