health
Don’t blame the explosive diarrhea parasite on Taco Bell
Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.
TL;DR
- An outbreak of Cyclospora, a parasite causing severe diarrhea, has infected over 5,000 people in the U.S., with 141 hospitalizations reported.
- Federal budget cuts have reduced the CDC's foodborne illness surveillance program (FoodNet), hindering the investigation and response to outbreaks like this one.
- Cyclospora infections are challenging to trace due to a long incubation period, the short shelf life of produce, and the multi-stage distribution of fresh foods.
- Despite the outbreak, federal agencies are not yet recommending specific food avoidances but advise practicing good food hygiene.
- Michigan has the highest number of confirmed cases, with lettuce and salad greens identified as potential sources, though a specific product has not been definitively linked.
- Taco Bell has voluntarily recalled certain items, including lettuce and cilantro, as federal and state officials investigate a potential link.