Produce Recall Issued In Parasite Outbreak Hitting NJ

A recall on a popular brand of lettuce has been issued as a nationwide outbreak of the parasite Cyclospora continues, with 46 confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis in New Jersey.

The development comes the same week federal investigators identified a potential link between the outbreak and Taco Bell restaurants in several states.

Taylor Fresh Foods is voluntarily recalling all of its iceberg lettuce products distributed in the United States and Mexico.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration also advised consumers to avoid eating shredded lettuce served at Taco Bell locations in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky and West Virginia.

"Additional states may be added to this advisory as more information becomes available," the FDA said in a statement Friday. "Taco Bell is working to stop use of all lettuce implicated by this investigation."

The agency noted that not every Taco Bell location in the affected states received the recalled product, but the advisory currently applies to all locations there.

New Jersey has 111 Taco Bell locations statewide, according to the fast food chain.

Some Taco Bell restaurants in affected states have posted notices saying they are "currently unable to sell Lettuce, Cilantro Onion, Pico de Gallo, and Guacamole due to a nationwide recall," according to Detroit-area news radio outlet WWJ.

Taco Bell said it is continuing to monitor the investigation and is working closely with public health officials.

"Public health officials have not confirmed a link to Taco Bell or any specific ingredient, supplier, restaurant or retailer," the company said in a statement. "While authorities continue their broader review, Taco Bell has voluntarily and temporarily removed limited ingredients at select restaurants as a precautionary measure."

In Michigan, where many cases have been reported, state health officials have said lettuce or salad greens are the most likely source of the outbreak, though investigators have not ruled out other possible sources.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed 1,645 U.S. cases, along with hundreds of travel-related infections, while state health departments have collectively reported more than 7,000 cases since May 1.

What Is Cyclospora?

Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that causes an intestinal illness known as cyclosporiasis. Symptoms typically begin about a week after infection and can include:

• Frequent, watery diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Stomach cramps and bloating
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Low-grade fever

The illness is spread through contaminated food or water, not directly from person to person. Most people recover with antibiotic treatment, though symptoms can last for weeks if left untreated.

With reporting from Patch correspondent Michelle Witte.