WASHINGTON, July 16 (DC Times Online) — Health officials have not identified a specific produce brand in a cyclosporiasis outbreak in Michigan, and state investigators say lettuce or salad greens are the leading suspect.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services said other foods cannot be ruled out. The agency also said no specific type of produce, grower, supplier or brand has been identified as the source.
MDHHS has described the outbreak as Michigan’s largest parasitic outbreak.
The Washington Post reported, citing two people familiar with the investigation, that federal and state health officials are also reviewing whether Taco Bell restaurants played a role. The report did not say that investigators had confirmed a link.
Taco Bell said public health officials have not confirmed a connection to the chain or to any specific ingredient, supplier, restaurant or retailer. The company said it had voluntarily and temporarily removed limited ingredients at select restaurants as a precaution while it monitored the situation.
Fox Business reported that the Food and Drug Administration had not announced a Taco Bell recall and that its public notices did not show one. Michigan officials have reported thousands of cases in the outbreak, with counts cited in reports ranging from more than 2,600 to 3,309 at different update points.
