The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is conducting an investigation into the contamination of lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms to Taco Bell. The focus is on identifying the source of the cyclospora parasite that caused the outbreak. Investigators plan to inspect farms in Mexico and a lettuce shredding facility involved in the supply chain.

Officials are raising concerns about whether the contaminated lettuce has been distributed to other U.S. food retailers. The FDA aims to scrutinize records from the farms and processing facility to uncover more about the contamination.

Cyclospora, a parasite that lays eggs embedding into the intestines upon consumption, can lead to severe symptoms like explosive diarrhea, cramping, and bleeding. These symptoms can persist for several weeks.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 1,644 people reported eating at Taco Bell before experiencing the infection. Ninety-four individuals have been hospitalized. The outbreak has also affected others who did not consume food from Taco Bell.

As the investigation proceeds, Taylor Farms, one of the leading producers of salad greens and vegetables in the nation, has engaged a former Trump White House official. On Thursday, company executives reportedly urged the White House to prevent linking Taylor Farms to the outbreak and sought to disassociate the company from the situation.

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