Produce supplied to Taco Bell restaurants by California-based Taylor Farms is being investigated as a possible source in a cyclosporiasis outbreak in the Midwest, according to reporting from NBC News.The parasite, causing cases of explosive diarrhea across the country, was identified in iceberg lettuce sold by Taco Bell. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identified at least 400 cases of the stomach bug across Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia and Kentucky.Nationwide, thousands of cases have been reported with more than a hundred hospitalizations.| MORE | Map: Cyclospora outbreaks reported across more than half of U.S. states. See how many cases are in each stateThe CDC is investigating the Midwest outbreak, NBC News reports. Because the incubation period for the parasite can be up to two weeks, finding the direct source of the outbreak can be difficult. Cyclospora has been found in fresh produce such as:ParsleyCilantroSnow peasMesclun lettuceSpinachSalad mixesRaspberries, blueberries and blackberriesA spokesperson for Taco Bell said Tuesday it had “voluntarily and temporarily removed limited ingredients” at some of its restaurants as a precaution, adding that “public health officials have not confirmed a link to Taco Bell or any specific ingredient, supplier, restaurant or retailer.”Taylor Farms, headquartered in Salinas, has not commented on its possible to the ties to the outbreak. How can you protect yourself from cyclospora?People who have diarrhea that hasn’t gone away on its own within a few days should see a health provider and discuss the possibility of cyclospora, officials say.The best way to prevent infection with a parasite is to avoid food or water that may have been contaminated.Fresh produce should be thoroughly washed before being eaten. But be aware that cyclospora can really stick to some foods, so washing may not eliminate the risk of infection.As Michigan officials investigate the potential source, they recommend consumers purchase whole heads of lettuce rather than pre-washed, bagged lettuce or salad mixes, and to remove the outer two to three leaves before washing the remaining leaves under running water.They also say to cook vegetables when possible.See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel | Make KCRA a preferred news source in Google

Produce supplied to Taco Bell restaurants by California-based Taylor Farms is being investigated as a possible source in a cyclosporiasis outbreak in the Midwest, according to reporting from NBC News.

The parasite, causing cases of explosive diarrhea across the country, was identified in iceberg lettuce sold by Taco Bell. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identified at least 400 cases of the stomach bug across Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia and Kentucky.

Nationwide, thousands of cases have been reported with more than a hundred hospitalizations.

| MORE | Map: Cyclospora outbreaks reported across more than half of U.S. states. See how many cases are in each state

The CDC is investigating the Midwest outbreak, NBC News reports. Because the incubation period for the parasite can be up to two weeks, finding the direct source of the outbreak can be difficult.

Cyclospora has been found in fresh produce such as:

ParsleyCilantroSnow peasMesclun lettuceSpinachSalad mixesRaspberries, blueberries and blackberries

A spokesperson for Taco Bell said Tuesday it had “voluntarily and temporarily removed limited ingredients” at some of its restaurants as a precaution, adding that “public health officials have not confirmed a link to Taco Bell or any specific ingredient, supplier, restaurant or retailer.”

Taylor Farms, headquartered in Salinas, has not commented on its possible to the ties to the outbreak.

How can you protect yourself from cyclospora?

People who have diarrhea that hasn’t gone away on its own within a few days should see a health provider and discuss the possibility of cyclospora, officials say.

The best way to prevent infection with a parasite is to avoid food or water that may have been contaminated.

Fresh produce should be thoroughly washed before being eaten. But be aware that cyclospora can really stick to some foods, so washing may not eliminate the risk of infection.

As Michigan officials investigate the potential source, they recommend consumers purchase whole heads of lettuce rather than pre-washed, bagged lettuce or salad mixes, and to remove the outer two to three leaves before washing the remaining leaves under running water.

They also say to cook vegetables when possible.

See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel | Make KCRA a preferred news source in Google