Health officials have finally closed the book on a massive parasitic outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announcing on Friday that the threat has passed. The scale of the event was staggering, marking what is believed to be the largest outbreak of cyclosporiasis in United States history. According to CDC data, nearly thirteen thousand cases were reported across twenty one different states, resulting in five hundred seventy hospitalizations. Tragically, two deaths were recorded in Michigan, though state officials noted those individuals suffered from significant underlying health conditions.
The illness is caused by Cyclospora cayetanensis, a tiny single celled parasite that triggers an intestinal infection. Much of the focus during the crisis centered on shredded iceberg lettuce used at various Taco Bell locations. This specific produce was supplied by Taylor Farms and grown in central Mexico. In response to the findings back in July, Taylor Farms de Mexico issued a voluntary recall covering more than two dozen states, while Taco Bell quickly severed ties with the supplier to protect its customers.
Despite the end of the active outbreak, federal investigators aren’t finished with their work yet. While the immediate danger is gone because all affected products have long since expired or left store shelves, the Food and Drug Administration continues to probe exactly how the contamination happened. Officials have already completed onsite inspections and collected samples from growing and processing facilities in Mexico through a coordinated effort with Mexican authorities.
While Taco Bell was a primary link, health officials cautioned that other sources may have contributed to the spread of the parasite throughout the country. Those remaining investigations are still underway as analysts wait for final results from laboratory tests conducted on samples taken from the production sites. For now however, consumers can return to their salads without fear regarding this particular source of infection.