Taco Bell has temporarily removed lettuce, guacamole, and pico de gallo from many menu items as a parasite causing severe diarrhea spreads across multiple U.S. states.
The fast-food chain acted out of caution as health officials investigate cases of cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness linked to contaminated produce. The move affects popular items, including burritos, tacos, and bowls that typically feature fresh ingredients.
This is not a norovirus outbreak and it is not specific to Taco Bell. Taco Bell is taking precautions because the supplier of the contaminated food hasn’t been identified. The diarrhea is being caused by a parasite, cyclospora cayetanensis, which causes cyclosporiasis. There’s currently an outbreak of it.