Investigators probe Taco Bell’s possible connection to parasite outbreak

• State and federal investigators are probing Taco Bell's potential connection to a widening outbreak of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic gastrointestinal illness.
• Signs at several Michigan Taco Bell locations warned customers of an inability to sell certain fresh ingredients, including lettuce and pico de gallo, due to a "nationwide recall."
• Michigan has reported 3,309 cases of cyclosporiasis, a significant increase from its typical annual count of about 50 cases.
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) had previously confirmed 843 cases across 31 states since May, resulting in 86 hospitalizations, though the actual number of infections is likely much higher.
• Cyclospora is transmitted through food or water contaminated with fecal matter, and Michigan health officials have indicated that lettuce or salad greens may be the source of the current outbreak.

IN FULL

Taco Bell now under investigation over outbreak of parasite that causes ‘explosive diarrhea,’ report says