As cyclospora illnesses in U.S. surge to new record, Michigan officials eye lettuce as possible cause
U.S. health officials are investigating a record-breaking surge in cyclospora infections, with Michigan officials identifying lettuce as a potential source. Taco Bell has voluntarily removed certain ingredients as a precautionary measure while the FDA continues its investigation.
Why it matters
Foodborne illness outbreaks pose significant public health risks and can disrupt supply chains and consumer confidence in major food retailers.
More than 30 states have reported infections this year, and current data from them shows the number of infections surpassing the record U.S. mark of about 4,700 set in 2019. The illness is not usually life threatening and is typically treated with antibiotics.
Health officials have not yet definitively identified what is causing the infections.
On Tuesday, federal health officials said there may be different infection patterns in different places, although they believe cases in at least four states — Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia — are linked.
In Michigan — where more than 3,300 cases have been reported — officials say early information points to lettuce or salad greens as a possible culprit.
After conducting more than 1,000 interviews with patients, "early information has shown lettuce as a common product that regularly comes up during the investigation," said Natasha Bagdasarian, the Michigan health department's chief medical executive.
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