WASHINGTON, July 16 (DC Times Online) — Federal and state health officials are investigating whether Taco Bell restaurants played a role in a cyclosporiasis outbreak, according to people familiar with the probe, but Michigan health officials say lettuce or salad greens remain the leading suspect and no specific brand or supplier has been identified.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services said its current results point to lettuce or salad greens as a possible source, while other foods cannot be ruled out. The agency said it has not identified a specific type of produce, grower, supplier or brand tied to the outbreak.
Taco Bell said public health officials have not confirmed a link to the chain or to any specific ingredient, supplier, restaurant or retailer. The company said it had temporarily removed limited ingredients at select restaurants as a precaution while it continues to monitor the situation.
The Food and Drug Administration has not announced a Taco Bell recall, according to its public notices.
Michigan health officials have described the outbreak as the state’s largest parasitic outbreak. Federal case counts had shown the CDC confirming cases in 31 states since May.
