Taco Bell removes lettuce from menu amid outbreak of explosive diarrhoea

U.S. fast‑food chain Taco Bell has pulled shredded iceberg lettuce from its menu in several states after investigations linked the produce to an outbreak of cyclosporiasis – a parasitic infection that can cause severe diarrhoea.

Why the removal? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have identified 1,645 cases in five states who reported exposure to Taco Bell. The FDA specifically cautions against consuming shredded iceberg lettuce from Mexico at locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia. While no deaths have been reported, 94 people have been hospitalised for the infection.

Taco Bell said it would remove lettuce supplied by one of its vendors indefinitely and will replace it with a safer alternative. The company stressed that "public health is a shared responsibility among restaurants, suppliers and authorities".

Symptoms and timeline The parasite can take about two weeks to produce symptoms. They usually include watery diarrhoea lasting several days, sudden weight loss and loss of appetite.

Challenges in tracing the source Experts note that locating the exact infected lettuce is difficult, especially with reduced funding for federal health agencies. The Association of Food and Drug Officials’ executive director likened finding the parasite to spotting a tiny needle in a haystack.

The incident underscores the importance of stringent supply‑chain checks and responsive public‑health measures in the fast‑food sector.