Taco Bell Linked to Recent Surge in Diarrhea Cases

The ongoing outbreak of explosive diarrhea in Michigan and Ohio, linked to the parasite cyclospora, continues to escalate, with over 3,000 cases reported. Health officials at both state and federal levels are now investigating whether Taco Bell might be involved. The chain’s use of lettuce and other greens could be a significant factor in the parasite’s spread. And no, the dyes in Baja Blast won’t save you from this.

Recent reports indicate that officials are looking into Taco Bell’s role in this gastrointestinal crisis. Ironically, the chain’s decision to halt the sale of lettuce and other potentially contaminated greens at some Michigan locations—where the outbreak is most severe—has drawn scrutiny. Is it just a coincidence?

Local media noted that some Taco Bell outlets in the Detroit area recently posted signs informing customers that they were “currently unable to sell Lettuce, Cilantro, Onion, Pico de Gallo, and Guacamole due to a nationwide recall.” However, there hasn’t been a nationwide recall on lettuce or other produce linked to the parasite. Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, Michigan’s chief medical executive, clarified that any restaurant not selling produce is doing so voluntarily.

Dr. Bagdasarian stated, “There have been proactive measures that were taken to ensure that exposure did not occur.” A source familiar with the investigation mentioned that Taco Bell’s decision to stop selling produce in the affected area was a sensible precaution. The chain has not yet issued a public statement regarding the situation.

On Monday, Michigan officials identified leafy lettuce as the primary suspect in the outbreak after interviewing over 1,000 patients. Some reported eating at Taco Bell shortly before experiencing symptoms. However, others who spoke to investigators had not dined at the chain, suggesting that it may not be solely responsible for the widespread illness. While it can’t be blamed this time, many have certainly had their fair share of digestive distress from the Tex-Mex chain in the past.

The Michigan Health Department noted, “While the investigation is ongoing, current results point to lettuce or salad greens as a potential source for this outbreak, although other food items cannot be completely ruled out.”

Dr. Bagdasarian added, “Although we do not have a definite product identified as the source of the outbreak, we want to let Michiganders know what we have learned so far so they can take steps to protect their families. Early information has shown lettuce as a common product that regularly comes up during the investigation.”