WASHINGTON, July 16 (DC Times Online) — Consumers should not assume Taco Bell has been linked to the cyclosporiasis outbreak under review by health officials, and the FDA has not announced a Taco Bell recall, according to company and agency statements.
Two people familiar with the investigation said federal and state health officials are reviewing whether Taco Bell restaurants played a role in the outbreak. The possible chain connection has not been confirmed.
Michigan health officials said their current results point to lettuce or salad greens as a possible source, while other food items cannot be ruled out. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services said no specific produce, grower, supplier or brand has been identified.
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 voluntarily and temporarily removed limited ingredients at select restaurants as a precaution and will keep monitoring the situation.
Michigan officials have described the outbreak as the state’s largest parasitic outbreak. Public health agencies have not identified a single source for the contamination.
