Taco Bell could be original source to cyclosporiasis parasite outbreak that’s spread to 7,000 people

Taco Bell restaurants across the US are being investigated in relation to a parasitic infection which is causing 'explosive diarrhoea' across several states.

Health officials in America confirmed that over 7,000 cases of cyclosporiasis had been reported across the country in recent weeks, causing widespread stomach issues.

The gastrointestinal illness spreads through consumption of contaminated food or water containing the parasite, with other symptoms including bloating and nausea.

NBC reported more than 3,909 diagnoses in Michigan in the last two weeks, while the BBC cited 177 cases in Ohio and a further 141 in Illinois.

A press release issued on Monday (13 Jul) by Michigan's Department of Health and Human Services read: "While the investigation is ongoing, current results point to lettuce or salad greens as a potential source for this outbreak, although other food items cannot be completely ruled out.

The infection is causing extreme diarrhoea (Getty Stock Images)

"No specific type of produce, grower or supplier has been identified as the source."

Despite this, New York State Department of Health commissioner, Dr Jim McDonald, previously told the press the scale of the outbreak does indicate it could have been caused by a 'common source'.

He added: "This speaks to the fact that it's probably something that is commonly eaten in 29 states."

In an unexpected new update, a spokesperson from the fast-food restaurant chain Taco Bell has confirmed that a number of locations have removed items from their menu after they were named as possible causes.

Federal health agencies subsequently confirmed that the franchise may have contributed to the cyclosporiasis, with state news outlets confirming that restaurants in Detroit where lettuce, cilantro, onions, pico de gallo or guacamole were no longer available to customers due to a 'national recall'.

Several items have been removed from the menu (Mario Tama/Getty Images)

A representative of Taco Bell Corp. told Fox News in a statement: "The health and safety of our guests is our top priority. Public health officials have not confirmed a link to Taco Bell or any specific ingredient, supplier, restaurant or retailer.

"While authorities continue their broader review, Taco Bell has voluntarily and temporarily removed limited ingredients at select restaurants as a precautionary measure."

They added: "We will continue to closely monitor the situation and follow the guidance of public health authorities."

It's worth noting, however, that the official Taco Bell website in no way references the ongoing health crisis, and the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) hasn't announced an official recall of any of the chain's products.