Authorities are probing a link between a popular fast food restaurant chain to a parasite outbreak causing ‘explosive diarrhoea,’ as the company pulls fresh ingredients nationwide
Taco Bell has reportedly become part of a widening investigation into a parasite-linked gastrointestinal illness, with officials probing potential connections to the chain’s produce. Authorities in the US are looking into the spread of cyclosporiasis – a nasty infection notorious for causing “explosive diarrhoea.”
The fast-food giant has already begun pulling specific menu items from some locations across the pond as a precaution. Signs appearing at various branches recently notified customers that they were “currently unable to sell lettuce, cilantro onion, pico de gallo and guacamole due to a nationwide recall.”
A spokesperson for Taco Bell Corp told the Independent: “The health and safety of our guests is our top priority.
“Public health officials have not confirmed a link to Taco Bell or any specific ingredient, supplier, restaurant or retailer. While authorities continue their broader review, Taco Bell has voluntarily and temporarily removed limited ingredients at select restaurants as a precautionary measure.
“We will continue to closely monitor the situation and follow the guidance of public health authorities.” The concern follows a massive spike in cases, where 3,309 infections have been recorded as of Tuesday – a sharp increase compared to the roughly 50 cases usually seen annually in the worst-hit region.
Cyclosporiasis, caused by the Cyclospora parasite, is often contracted through food or water tainted with faecal matter. Symptoms are severe and include “watery diarrhoea” and “explosive bowel movements,” alongside vomiting, fatigue, and stomach cramps.
While experts note the infection is rarely fatal, it can linger. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: “Most people with healthy immune systems will eventually recover from cyclosporiasis without treatment. However, if not treated, you may be sick for anywhere from a few days to a month or longer.”
The current outbreak is not believed to be limited to any single food chain, as investigators have found that some patients had never eaten at Taco Bell. As of now, no specific supplier or type of produce has been confirmed as the culprit for the nationwide surge.
According to the latest official figures, 843 cases have been confirmed across 31 regions since May, resulting in 86 hospitalisations. However, health agencies admit the real figures are likely significantly higher, with at least 1,500 additional cases currently awaiting “further analysis.”
Amid the uncertainty, the move to remove fresh toppings has been welcomed by some experts. One source told reporters: “It’s good the chain has already voluntarily stopped serving a number of items.”
The hunt for the source is hampered by the nature of the parasite, as symptoms can take up to two weeks to surface and some individuals may not show symptoms at all.