Some Taco Bell restaurants in Texas have temporarily stopped serving several fresh ingredients as health officials investigate a multistate outbreak of a foodborne parasite.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Texas is among the states reporting cases of Cyclospora. This parasite causes cyclosporiasis, an illness that can lead to watery diarrhea, nausea, cramping, bloating, fatigue and, in some cases, frequent or “explosive” bowel movements.
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As a precaution, some Taco Bell locations have removed lettuce, cilantro, onions, pico de gallo and guacamole from their menus. Signs posted at some restaurants state the ingredients are unavailable due to a “nationwide recall.”
However, neither the U.S. Food and Drug Administration nor the U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced a recall involving those ingredients. Taco Bell also had not publicly confirmed a nationwide recall or responded to requests for comment at the time the article was published.
The CDC says Texas is one of several states where cyclospora cases have been reported, alongside states including Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia and Wisconsin. Health officials continue to investigate the source of the outbreak, and no link has been established between Taco Bell and the illnesses.
According to the article, outbreaks of cyclospora have previously been associated with fresh produce, including leafy greens, cilantro, basil, berries and green onions.
Customers can still order menu items that typically include the affected ingredients, but they may be served without them while supplies are unavailable. The ingredient shortages do not appear to be affecting every Taco Bell restaurant nationwide.
Health officials say anyone experiencing symptoms such as persistent diarrhea, loss of appetite, nausea, bloating or fatigue should contact a healthcare provider.