Health officials in the United States recalled shredded lettuce from some Taco Bell restaurants after it was linked to an outbreak of a stomach illness in five states.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned people not to eat the lettuce, which was supplied by a company called Taylor Fresh Foods.
Taco Bell removed the lettuce from its restaurants and supply chain as soon as the warning was issued. The illness, called cyclosporiasis, is caused by a tiny parasite and can make people feel unwell with stomach cramps and tiredness for several weeks. Nearly 7,000 cases were reported across the US since May, with most linked to the Midwest region.
Taylor Fresh Foods said it removed all iceberg lettuce grown in the affected area from sale across the country as a precaution, even though the farm involved supplied less than one percent of America’s lettuce. The company said its other products, including salad kits, were not affected.
Health officials said the outbreak was one of the largest of its kind ever recorded in the US, and reminded people that washing fresh produce carefully was an important way to stay safe.
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