Parasite Outbreak Impacting NJ May Be Linked To Fast Food Chain

Taco Bell restaurants are reportedly under investigation as the possible source of the parasite outbreak that has sickened thousands around the country, including some in New Jersey.

While a single definitive common link among state or multi-state cases has not yet been determined, the CDC has identified a probable link between cases in Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky, and federal and state health officials are investigating fast food giant Taco Bell as a possible source, the Washington Post reported.

A number of Taco Bell locations have posted signs announcing 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.

As of Saturday, the NJ Department of Health (NJ DOH) has received 46 reports of domestically acquired cyclosporiasis cases.

"While New Jersey is not experiencing substantial increases, illness clusters or outbreaks at this time, reported cases are steadily increasing," NJ DOH officials said.

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Taco Bell told the Post it would keep monitoring the situation and follow authorities' guidance. In New Jersey, there are 111 Taco Bell locations.

“Public health officials have not confirmed a link to Taco Bell or any specific ingredient, supplier, restaurant or retailer," the company told the Post. "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 cases have been concentrated, media reports said notices were posted at some Detroit-area Taco Bell restaurants last week telling customers the chain was “currently unable to sell Lettuce, Cilantro-Onion, Pico de Gallo, and Guacamole due to a nationwide recall."

In a statement, Michigan’s health department said lettuce or salad greens are likely the source of its outbreak, but cautioned that it can’t yet rule out any vectors.

While the CDC has only confirmed 1,645 cases domestically, along with hundreds of other cases acquired abroad, state health departments have confirmed more than 7,000 cases since May 1 of this year.

With reporting from Patch correspondent Michelle Witte and Patch Editor Justin Heinze.