Taco Bell removes item from menu following links to ‘explosive diarrhea’

Taco Bell has removed an item from its menu after investigations found it could be linked to a parasite that causes explosive diarrhoea.

Health officials in the US said 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.

Earlier this week, federal and state health officials confirmed they are investigating whether lettuce served at some Taco Bell restaurants is linked to the widespread cyclosporiasis outbreak.

Experts have highlighted that pre-mixed salad bags were to blame in previous outbreaks (Getty Stock Image)

The US fast-food chain has confirmed it will remove lettuce from its menu following a discussion with health officials, a spokesperson for the chain told the BBC. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 1,645 people in five states who had ‘exposure’ to Taco Bell were infected by cyclosporiasis.

Taco Bell said lettuce from one of its supplies is being removed indefinitely and will be replaced. "While no official advisory has been issued, we believe public health is a shared responsibility among restaurants, their suppliers, and authorities," the restaurant told the BBC.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a public health advisory on Thursday (16 July) with a recommendation to avoid eating iceberg lettuce amid the outbreak. “Do not eat food items with shredded iceberg lettuce from Mexico served at Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia," it said.

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.

Taco Bell has made a change to its menu (Mario Tama/Getty Images)

"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."

Experts have highlighted that pre-mixed salad bags were to blame in previous outbreaks that were not connected to Taco Bell.

Symptoms of a cyclosporiasis infection include sudden, frequent and often ‘explosive’ water diarrhoea that can last from a day to over a month. Other symptoms may include fatigue, abdominal cramping, nausea, bloating and a brief period of the symptoms going away before returning.

People can become infected by eating food or water that contains the parasite. The main symptom is frequent, water and explosive diarrhoea.

Some people may not experience any symptoms.

No deaths have been reported and the source of the spread is yet to be identified. It usually takes about one week after infection before the person becomes sick.

Tyla has approached Taco Bell for further comment.