Lettuce supplied to Taco Bell U.S. locations by Taylor Farms has been linked to a microscopic parasite causing cyclosporiasis, an intestinal infection. (Courtesy: @tacobell/Instagram & Canva)
Thousands of cases of an intestinal illness caused by a microscopic parasite have been affecting people across the U.S. and Taco Bell has been linked to the contribution to the outbreak.
Shredded iceberg lettuce from a company called Taylor Farms which supplies products to major supermarkets and fast food chains across the U.S., including some Taco Bell locations and has been linked to cyclosporiasis.
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal infection or food poisoning from a microscopic parasite called cyclospora, that causes watery diarrhea.
As of July 17, the outbreak has increased to 5,002 confirmed cases in Michigan.The outbreak is reportedly considered to be regional in the midwest of the U.S.
Even though this outbreak is occurring in the U.S., concern is growing for Canadian consumers of Taco Bell.
The Brandon Gonez Show asked Torontonians what their thoughts are about the link the fast food chain has to the outbreak.
Some expressed that they’re not surprised to hear about this diarrhea inducing infection when it comes to eating at Taco Bell.
“I’m sorry for those people. I’m not actually shocked because it’s s***** fast food,” Toronto local Shay L. told The Brandon Gonez Show.
Some are now thinking twice about visiting the fast food chain after hearing how many cases have been confirmed.
“No more Taco Bell for me, I guess,” shared Torontonian Davis M. “Even the food, you know, kind of provokes this diarrhea vibe. So it doesn’t surprise me that finally it’s instilling it in us. You got to be careful.”
The infection is usually non-life threatening, but in some cases can make a person very ill to the point of hospitalization. Reportedly 102 of the reported cases in Michigan have led to hospitalization.
In milder cases, it can be treated with antibiotics or antidiarrheal medications.
