Taco Bell has long held a reputation online for the effect its food can have on people's stomachs. But that's mostly been internet memes. Now, things have gotten serious due to widespread cases of explosive diarrhea. It landed the
Taco Bell Under Investigation Amid Outbreak of Diarrhea-Causing Disease
Federal and state health investigators are probing Taco Bell for its potential role in a fast-moving food poisoning outbreak.
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That investigation hasn't revealed its results.
Outbreaks of cyclosporiasis, which can cause watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, and nausea, swept across the nation this month, affecting thousands of Americans, per The Washington Post.
Federal and state health investigators are probing Taco Bell for its potential role in the fast-moving food poisoning outbreak, the outlet reported. The outbreak allegedly stems from Michigan, where some Taco Bell locations informed customers that they removed several ingredients from their menu last week.
Taco Bell Pulls Menu Items Amid Outbreak
Taco Bell said in a statement, "The health and safety of our guests is our top priority. Public health officials have not confirmed a link to Taco Bell. Or any specific ingredient, supplier, restaurant, or retailer. While authorities continue their broader review, Taco Bell has voluntarily and temporarily removed limited ingredients at select restaurants as a precautionary measure. We will continue to closely monitor the situation and follow the guidance of public health authorities."
The majority of cases are in Michigan, which reportedly has seen over 2,600 people sickened by the Cyclospora parasite.
Michigan-based locations stated that they have stopped selling certain ingredients amid the outbreak. Per Reddit users, select locations announced the change by adding signs.
"We are currently unable to sell Lettuce, Cilantro Onion, Pico de Gallo, and Guacamole due to a nationwide recall. We apologize for the inconvenience. Any items ordered that normally come with these items WILL NOT contain them," the reported signs said.
Despite Taco Bell pulling certain ingredients, social media users declared they are steering clear of the restaurant entirely. Before dodging the fast-food chain, Twitter users poked fun at the investigation online.
"Why is this getting an investigation? I thought diarrhea was included with the meal," one user wrote.
"The one time Taco Bell's reputation for bathroom emergencies is actually backed by science," another replied.
A former customer wrote, "This place already gives you regular diarrhea. Are you saying it's giving people extra diarrhea?"
