Federal officials in Canada report no domestic outbreaks of the parasite cyclospora and confirm that no lettuce linked to a current U.S. outbreak entered Canada. According to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), the agency is monitoring the situation and reviewing data from U.S. authorities to ensure food safety.
CDC Warns Against Taco Bell Lettuce in Five States
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a warning against eating shredded iceberg lettuce from Taco Bell restaurants in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia. Data released by the CDC suggests nearly 7,000 people across multiple states may have contracted cyclosporiasis since May.
The illness, caused by the Cyclospora parasite, typically results in watery diarrhea that can last six to seven weeks. Other symptoms reported by health officials include bloating, gas, nausea, stomach cramps, loss of appetite, and a mild fever.
Did you know? Cyclospora is not spread from person to person.
FDA Traces Contamination to Mexican Farm
An investigation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) identified a single supplier as the source of the contaminated produce. Taylor Fresh Foods, based in California, stated that FDA testing pointed to a “specific independent farm” affiliated with the company in central Mexico.
In response to the findings, Taylor Fresh Foods announced on Friday that it is voluntarily removing all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico from the U.S. market. Taco Bell confirmed it will switch to a different supplier to mitigate further risk.
How Contamination Occurs
According to health data, food becomes contaminated when the feces of an infected person enters the water supply used for irrigation or during the food processing and packaging stages.
CFIA Surveillance and Import Status
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency stated it is not currently considering restrictions on fresh produce imports from the United States. The agency maintains a routine surveillance program that tests for cyclospora in imported fresh whole and cut leafy vegetables, fresh leafy herbs, raspberries, and blackberries.
The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) confirmed it is not investigating any active cyclospora outbreaks. However, PHAC noted that infections typically increase during spring and summer months due to the consumption of imported fruits and vegetables.
Pro Tip: To reduce the risk of parasitic infections during peak summer months, the Public Health Agency of Canada suggests eating locally grown produce.
Comparing the Risks: Cyclospora vs. Common Foodborne Illness
| Feature | Cyclospora | Typical Bacteria (e.g., E. coli) |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission | Environmental/Water (Not person-to-person) | Direct contact or contaminated food |
| Duration | Long-term (6-7 weeks) | Varies (often shorter/acute) |
| Primary Source | Imported produce/water supply | Undercooked meat/unwashed veg |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the symptoms of cyclosporiasis?
Common symptoms include watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, bloating, gas, tiredness, loss of appetite, weight loss, and a mild fever.
Can I catch cyclospora from another person?
No. According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, the parasite cannot spread from person to person because it must remain outside the body for a period of time to become infectious.
Which regions in the U.S. are affected?
The CDC specifically warned consumers in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia regarding shredded iceberg lettuce from Taco Bell.
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