WASHINGTON, July 16 (DC Times Online) — Federal and state health officials are reviewing whether Taco Bell restaurants played a role in a cyclosporiasis outbreak, while Michigan health officials say current results point to lettuce or salad greens rather than any specific brand or supplier.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services said other food items cannot be ruled out, but no specific type of produce, grower or supplier has been identified as the source. The department has described the outbreak as the largest parasitic outbreak in Michigan history.
Taco Bell said public health officials have not confirmed a link to the chain or to any specific ingredient, supplier, restaurant or retailer. The company said it had temporarily removed limited ingredients at select restaurants as a precaution while it continued to monitor the situation.
Michigan officials have reported thousands of cases in recent updates, and federal health agencies have tracked the outbreak across multiple states.
