Key facts
- A cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce from central Mexico has expanded to 15 states.
- Over 6,300 illnesses have been reported.
- Salad and Go, a quick-service restaurant chain, filed for bankruptcy.
- The outbreak was cited as a factor in Salad and Go's bankruptcy filing.
U.S. health authorities have expanded their investigation into a cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico. The probe now encompasses 15 states, with a reported 6,358 illnesses attributed to the outbreak. The outbreak has had significant business repercussions, as evidenced by the bankruptcy filing of quick-service restaurant chain Salad and Go. The company cited the cyclosporiasis outbreak, alongside rising gas prices and reduced consumer spending, as contributing factors to its financial distress.
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, typically contracted by consuming contaminated food or water. The current outbreak is linked to iceberg lettuce from central Mexico.