A cyclosporiasis outbreak, caused by a parasitic illness, has been linked to iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms, a supplier to Taco Bell in several US states. The illness, characterised by watery and explosive diarrhea, has affected thousands of people across the US.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that 1,645 lab-confirmed cases of the parasite have been identified, with 145 people hospitalised.
Officials have warned that the true number of infections is likely higher, as many people with mild illness recover on their own.
Taco Bell has taken immediate action to remove potentially affected lettuce from select states, and the affected ingredient will be replaced within 24 hours.
The outbreak has been reported in Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky, with authorities in Michigan stating that lettuce is a potential source of the outbreak.
The Trump administration has faced criticism for cuts to federal food safety programs and decisions that may have limited the scope of a CDC program that monitors trends in foodborne illness.