Federal health officials have traced a multistate parasite outbreak to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell. The Washington Post reports that the CDC and the FDA have linked the outbreak to the Iceberg lettuce served at five Taco Bell restaurants. The findings suggest the contamination occurred before the lettuce reached Taco Bell restaurants, which had initially come under scrutiny during the early stages of the outbreak investigation.
The report says the lettuce was grown in Mexico, and individuals linked to the investigation have identified Taylor Farm as the supplier to various regional hubs. The parasite responsible for the outbreak, Cyclospora cayetanensis, is difficult to manage because it clings to the rugged surfaces of leafy greens and cannot be easily washed away by normal kitchen procedures.
