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RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — Shredded iceberg lettuce at Taco Bell is to blame for more than 1,600 cyclosporiasis cases in five Midwestern states, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
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The fast-food giant said it’s pulled the product from its supply chain as it works to replace it.
This comes as other states, including North Carolina, continue to see cases of cyclosporiasis, a stomach bug caused by a parasite. North Carolina officials haven’t determined any specific causes yet.
At least 307 cases have been reported across the state, with Wake County reporting 270 of those.
“Cyclospora is one of about 15 or so foodborne infections that are reportable by law to the state health department. So whenever we receive those reports, we do investigations,” said Dr. Carl Williams, who works with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.
Dr. Williams supervises the foodborne and vector-borne disease investigation teams.
Williams says they look into each reported case of cyclosporiasis, asking the affected patient where and what they’ve eaten recently, getting details on specific ingredients.
“We have shared with the FDA the fact that certain herbs are appearing more frequently, just like they did last year and the year before,” Dr. Williams explained.
Williams said there’s no indication that the cyclosporiasis cases in North Carolina are connected to the outbreak in the Midwest, where the CDC determined shredded lettuce at some Taco Bell locations was the source.
As for the cases in North Carolina and others across the country, “I think that there’s more than one. It’s clear that there’s multiple vehicles for transmission,” said Dr. Williams.
Cyclosporiasis is caused by the parasite, cyclospora, which can be found in contaminated water and produce.
Dr. Ellen Shumaker, Director of Outreach for NC State’s Safe Plates Program, said a way to kill the parasite is to cook your food at least 158 degrees.
“Because lettuce is typically not cooked afterwards before eating, that’s where that’s where illnesses are likely to occur with foods that aren’t cooked,” Dr. Shumaker said.
Doctor Shumaker recommends people rinse their produce, cut away outer layers, and even scrub it.
People can also choose whole produce instead of precut or bagged options.
“If you or someone in your family has a weakened immune system, you might consider, you know, you could consider avoiding raw, raw fruits, vegetables, herbs, things like that, and cooking them,” said Dr. Shumaker.
Again, health officials say there’s no indication at the time of publication that any ingredient at Taco Bells in North Carolina are to blame for cases in the state.
CBS 17’s Mary Smith is an Investigative Reporter focused on Digging Deeper and Getting Answers. If you have a story that needs investigating, send an email to [email protected].
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