Mexican Lettuce Linked to US Hospitalizations

Mexico is investigating a possible link between a farm in the state of Guanajuato and a cyclosporiasis outbreak in the US that affected customers of the Taco Bell chain.

The ministries of health and agriculture have formed a joint task force to analyze the origin of the lettuce and conduct food safety inspections. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 100 people were hospitalized after consuming shredded iceberg lettuce.

Meanwhile, supplier Taylor Farms and distributor Sysco have taken the lettuce, which originated in central Mexico, off the market as a precautionary measure. Mexican authorities note that the investigation is ongoing and that product traceability alone does not yet confirm the source of contamination.

The case also brings to mind a similar outbreak in 2013, which was also linked to lettuce from Taylor Farms' Mexican facility.

(Reuters)