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If fast food is a regular part of your family's routine, the latest cyclosporiasis outbreak is worth keeping on your radar.
Federal and state health officials are investigating cases in dozens of states as the illness has been linked to iceberg lettuce, prompting restaurants like Taco Bell to remove certain ingredients in affected areas.
But this isn't about swearing off tacos, burritos or salads. Investigators haven't identified a single source, which means the smartest approach is to make informed choices when ordering.
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Here's a simple way to stay safe with a fast-food safety checklist.
1. Know what investigators are saying
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. People typically become infected after eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water. Cases have prompted state health departments and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to monitor the outbreak closely.
Investigators are examining ingredients such as leafy greens that commonly appear in wraps, bowls and tacos, but no single brand or product has been blamed for all cases.
2. Check restaurant responses
Taco Bell says it has temporarily removed certain ingredients at select locations. The company notes that health officials have not confirmed a link to the chain overall, but federal investigators have said lettuce served at some Taco Bell restaurants has been connected to certain cases.
Chipotle says it is monitoring the investigation but does not believe any of its ingredients are tied to the current outbreak, as previously reported by Ken Alltucker for USA TODAY. "We are aware of the Cyclospora investigation and at this time, we don't believe the ingredients we source are associated," Laurie Schalow, the company's chief corporate affairs and food safety officer, said in a statement.
3. Make smart ordering choices
The parasite is often spread through fruits, vegetables, herbs and bagged salad mixes that are eaten raw. That doesn't mean every salad is risky, but it may be worth making a few temporary adjustments to your order.
One gastroenterologist told USA TODAY she is temporarily avoiding bagged lettuce, cilantro, parsley and raspberries to reduce exposure. For fast-food customers, that could mean choosing items with fewer raw toppings. If you're concerned, you can also ask whether ingredients have been removed or substituted because of the outbreak.
Some choices to keep in mind:
- Skip extra lettuce and other raw leafy greens.
- Consider cooked toppings instead of raw ones.
- Swap side salads for other options.
- Customize meals rather than avoiding fast food altogether.
4. Know when it’s time to call a doctor
Keep track of your restaurant visits. Symptoms usually begin about a week after exposure and may include watery diarrhea, cramping, bloating, nausea, fatigue and loss of appetite. Some people also experience vomiting, headaches, body aches or a low-grade fever.
Getting checked out when symptoms linger may help you recover sooner and avoid complications. Contact a doctor if symptoms are severe, last more than a few days or put you at risk of dehydration.
5. Stay updated as the situation evolves
Because investigators have not identified a single source, recommendations could change as new information emerges. For now, experts say the best approach is to stay informed about updates and pay attention to ingredients in your fast-food meals.
Keep an eye on alerts and public health announcements for the latest developments, especially before you hit the drive-thru. For general food-safety information, readers can check cdc.gov.
This story was created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Avoid cyclosporiasis from fast food with these 5 tips
