An intestinal illness caused by a parasite called cyclospora and typically resulting in explosive diarrhea has recently been detected in several states. That illness, called cyclosporiasis, can be caused by ingesting contaminated food such as fresh produce. The exact culprit at the heart of this outbreak has not yet been identified. Nevertheless,Taco Bell is already pulling some ingredients from its menu out of an abundance of caution.
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According to Newsradio WWJ950 on Tuesday, July 7, some Taco Bell locations have posted signs about this situation. The signs tell consumers that for now, they are omitting some ingredients from what they serve. This reportedly applies to their sites in Metro Detroit and elsewhere.
The notice, per the outlet, states, "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."
Michigan Has Been Hit Hard
Per the New York Post, the number of cases of cyclosporiasis is apparently growing. The outlet reports that "nearly 2,000 people" nationwide have been affected. However, that figure may already be outdated.
In Michigan alone, for example, there are 1,251 known cases of the illness. That is as of Thursday, July 9. That data comes from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Fifty annual cases is more typical for that state, per the Post, so this constitutes a very significant and alarming jump.
According to NBC News, the worst may be ahead. "There are many more cases that are yet to come," said Vice Chief of Staff at Trinity Health Ann Arbor, Dr. Anurag Malani.
Authorities are racing to pinpoint the source of all these cases in Michigan and in other states. "We're pulling people's grocery shopping lists," said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, Michigan's chief medical executive.
The FDA and the CDC Weighed In
Per NBC News, a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) spokesperson said the following. "We are not in a position at this time to characterize the current numbers as definitively unusual pending the completion of that investigation."
Also, a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) spokesperson said this. " CDC has no evidence of a single, multistate Cyclospora outbreak linking cases happening right now and being reported in the press."
