Taco Bell is one of the most popular restaurant chains in the US. But according to reports, Taco Bell has removed some limited items in certain locations. The restaurant has denied any connection to the ongoing Cyclosporiasis Outbreak.
Taco Bell Latest News: Taco Bell Issues Statement
Popular restaurant chain Taco Bell reportedly removed select items from some of its outlets, amidst an ongoing Cyclosporiasis Outbreak that is heightening.
In a formal statement sent to employees, Taco Bell, which is owned by Yum Brands, stated that it has ‘voluntarily and temporarily’ removed some fresh produce items from certain locations. It also shared that the update is precautionary in nature and unrelated to the Cyclospora outbreak.
Taco Bell stated that customer safety is their priority and that no link to their food has been confirmed. “The health and safety of our guests is our top priority. Public health officials have not confirmed a link to Taco Bell or any specific ingredient, supplier, restaurant or retailer”. It then added that “We will continue to closely monitor the situation and follow the guidance of public health authorities”.
Cyclospora Outbreak Taco Bell
An outbreak triggered by cyclospora, which is a parasitic diarrhea causing stomach bug is currently happening in the US. According to the federal agency CDC, the outbreak has already spread to 30 American states, with Michigan and Ohio being adversely hit. As a result, many in the food industry are now being exceedingly cautious.
Taco Bell Cyclosporiasis Cayetanensis
American health authorities have not found any link between Taco Bell and the Cyclosporiasis Cayetanensis outbreak. However, the restaurant chain has taken this measure out of precaution and removed some produce items that may be potential sources of the outbreak.
Taco Bell Latest News: Which Items Did Taco Bell Remove?
Taco Bell has ‘voluntarily and temporarily’ removed the following 5 fresh produce items from certain locations:
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Lettuce
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Cilantro
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Onions
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Pico de Gallo
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Guacamole
Taco Bell Latest News: Affected Locations From Menu Update
According to reports, Taco Bell’s pre-emptive recall seems to be limited to the state of Michigan for now. Some customers who recently visited offline Taco Bell outlets claimed to see signs saying that restaurants would not be serving certain produce items because of “a national recall.” But despite the heightening Cyclospora outbreak, a recall has not been issued for either lettuce or salad greens by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Michigan is being widely believed to be the epicenter of the Cyclospora outbreak. The CDC shared that the outbreak is particularly bad in four Midwestern states of the US – Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky and West Virginia. The outbreak typically spreads through contaminated food or water, with symptoms popping up in a week after exposure.
