WASHINGTON, July 16 (DC Times Online) — Federal and state health officials are investigating whether Taco Bell restaurants were involved in a cyclospora outbreak, but Michigan health officials say their current results point to lettuce or salad greens rather than a confirmed restaurant source.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services said in a release that the investigation is ongoing and that no specific produce item, grower, supplier or brand has been identified. The agency said other food items cannot be ruled out.
Taco Bell said public health officials have not confirmed a link to the chain or to any ingredient, supplier, restaurant or retailer. The company said it temporarily removed limited ingredients at select restaurants as a precaution while it continues to monitor the situation.
The FDA has not posted a Taco Bell recall notice on its public website, according to reporting based on the agency’s notices. CDC case counts cited in reporting showed 843 confirmed cases across 31 states and 86 hospitalizations since May, while Michigan officials have said the outbreak is the largest parasitic outbreak in the state’s history.
