A lettuce supplier for Taco Bell is being investigated as a possible source of a nationwide stomach illness outbreak that has sickened thousands, a source told CBS News. The FDA traced the cyclosporiasis outbreak to a single supplier of iceberg lettuce from Mexico, Taylor Farms, used by Taco Bell locations in five states where sick people had eaten.
Cyclosporiasis is a diarrheal illness caused by a parasite. First reported in early May, the outbreak has spread to 34 states, sickening at least 1,645 people and hospitalizing 141, with most cases in Michigan. State health departments report far higher numbers. Taco Bell said it temporarily pulled some ingredients at select restaurants as a precaution. No deaths have been reported.
