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Federal health officials on Friday identified shredded iceberg lettuce from a Taco Bell supplier as the source of a widespread parasitic outbreak that causes severe diarrhoea.
A joint investigation by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) traced the contamination to a single farm in central Mexico.
The contaminated lettuce reached Taco Bell restaurants across Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia, sickening at least 1,644 people.
While the parasite has caused 94 hospitalisations, officials have reported no deaths.
The major agricultural producer Taylor Farms confirmed it supplied the lettuce to Taco Bell and immediately launched a voluntary recall of all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico.
The company emphasised that the FDA traceback points to an independent farm representing less than one per cent of the U.S. iceberg lettuce supply.
Taylor Farms also clarified that the recall does not affect any of its branded retail salad kits, which do not contain iceberg lettuce.
In a parallel statement, Taco Bell announced that it has indefinitely removed the affected ingredient from its nationwide supply chain and will replace it within 24 hours in the impacted states.
Health officials warn that the resulting illness, cyclosporiasis, can cause dehydration and last for over a month if left untreated.
Authorities point out that cooking food above 158°F (70°C) is still the best way to kill the parasite because washing produce does not always get rid of it.
