5 days ago
This story was originally published on QSR. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily QSR AM Jolt.
Taco Bell has consistently been one of the best-performing QSRs in the industry over the past several years. A U.S. public health crisis quickly interrupted that momentum.
The chain's same-store sales declined 2 percent quarter-to-date through July 27 after a cyclospora outbreak sickened thousands across several states. The sharpest impact came over the weekend of July 18, according to Yum! Brands.
The outbreak was linked to iceberg lettuce, some of which was served at certain Taco Bell restaurants. In response, the company swiftly removed the affected lettuce.
The downturn followed a second quarter in which Taco Bell's same-store sales rose 7 percent. The chain outperformed the quick-service restaurant industry for the ninth consecutive quarter and expanded its digital sales mix by 5 percentage points to 47 percent.
#sales #industry #same
Taco Bell has consistently been one of the best-performing QSRs in the industry over the past several years. A U.S. public health crisis quickly interrupted that momentum.
The chain's same-store sales declined 2 percent quarter-to-date through July 27 after a cyclospora outbreak sickened thousands across several states. The sharpest impact came over the weekend of July 18, according to Yum! Brands.
The outbreak was linked to iceberg lettuce, some of which was served at certain Taco Bell restaurants. In response, the company swiftly removed the affected lettuce.
The downturn followed a second quarter in which Taco Bell's same-store sales rose 7 percent. The chain outperformed the quick-service restaurant industry for the ninth consecutive quarter and expanded its digital sales mix by 5 percentage points to 47 percent.
#sales #industry #same
7 days ago
(NewsNation) — The cyclospora outbreak continues to be a point of concern for health professionals, with one former CDC director saying people should now be cautious about more than just lettuce.
Michigan health officials noted Monday there are 9,253 cases in the state and 160 residents were hospitalized as of last week. The disease has been linked to other states in the Midwest, with a record number of cases being reported.
The CDC has documented more than 4,000 laboratory-confirmed cases, and state records suggest the total number of cases has increased to nearly 12,000.
How could cyclospora get into the food supply?
Recently, a second separate cyclospora outbreak, with no known origin, has sickened 72 people as of last week.
#cases #outbreak #Health #people
Michigan health officials noted Monday there are 9,253 cases in the state and 160 residents were hospitalized as of last week. The disease has been linked to other states in the Midwest, with a record number of cases being reported.
The CDC has documented more than 4,000 laboratory-confirmed cases, and state records suggest the total number of cases has increased to nearly 12,000.
How could cyclospora get into the food supply?
Recently, a second separate cyclospora outbreak, with no known origin, has sickened 72 people as of last week.
#cases #outbreak #Health #people
13 days ago
As health officials investigate a multistate cyclospora outbreak, so far linked to recalled iceberg lettuce, many Americans are asking the same question after eating a salad or sandwich: Should I be worried?
Federal health officials have linked shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell locations in five states to a subset of the outbreak, prompting the fast-food chain to pull Taylor Farms lettuce from its food.
Additionally, Taylor Farms de Mexico has recalled certain iceberg lettuce products sold at Walmart under the Marketside brand and distributed to restaurants and other food-service customers.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently addressed the spread of cyclosporiasis, telling reporters during a July 21 news briefing that "we do have the outbreak under control."
"We have done extensive forensics, epidemiological forensics, and we have identified the source of the outbreak. We, and the companies that are involved, have implemented a recall," Kennedy added.
#Health #farms #linked
Federal health officials have linked shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell locations in five states to a subset of the outbreak, prompting the fast-food chain to pull Taylor Farms lettuce from its food.
Additionally, Taylor Farms de Mexico has recalled certain iceberg lettuce products sold at Walmart under the Marketside brand and distributed to restaurants and other food-service customers.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently addressed the spread of cyclosporiasis, telling reporters during a July 21 news briefing that "we do have the outbreak under control."
"We have done extensive forensics, epidemiological forensics, and we have identified the source of the outbreak. We, and the companies that are involved, have implemented a recall," Kennedy added.
#Health #farms #linked
13 days ago
(NewsNation) — Astronomers may have discovered the first moon outside of our solar system, and it may force them to reconsider the idea of what a "moon" is.
A new study published in Nature describes the discovery of a possible exomoon, but things get a little weird. Researchers noted the object could be an exomoon or it could be something else entirely that doesn't fall neatly into the category of moon or planet.
While Earth's singular moon is the most familiar, there are 891 moons orbiting planets and dwarf planets in our solar system, with more than 200 of those belonging to Saturn alone.
Why does lettuce remain the top suspect in the cyclospora outbreak?
Given the numbers, it makes sense to ***** ume planets in other solar systems travel with a similar entourage.
#astronomers #researchers
A new study published in Nature describes the discovery of a possible exomoon, but things get a little weird. Researchers noted the object could be an exomoon or it could be something else entirely that doesn't fall neatly into the category of moon or planet.
While Earth's singular moon is the most familiar, there are 891 moons orbiting planets and dwarf planets in our solar system, with more than 200 of those belonging to Saturn alone.
Why does lettuce remain the top suspect in the cyclospora outbreak?
Given the numbers, it makes sense to ***** ume planets in other solar systems travel with a similar entourage.
#astronomers #researchers
14 days ago
Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said Tuesday that federal officials have brought the multistate cyclospora outbreak "under control," saying investigators have identified the source of the illnesses and implemented recalls, even as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continues investigating the precise source of the contamination.
"We do have the outbreak under control," Kennedy said during a healthcare fraud briefing Tuesday. "We have done extensive forensics, epidemiological forensics and we have identified the source of the outbreak. We, and the companies that are involved, have implemented a recall."
Kennedy's comments came two days after the FDA said an earlier laboratory result indicating a Taylor Farms lettuce sample tested positive for cyclospora should be considered a false positive following an additional laboratory review.
The FDA said it continues investigating the outbreak and collecting product samples. While traceback investigators identified Taylor Farms de Mexico as the supplier of shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell restaurants linked to the outbreak, the agency said no product samples connected to the investigation have produced a confirmed positive result for the parasite.
White House Addresses Growing Parasite Outbreak After More Than 400 Americans Sickened
#source #positive #parasite
"We do have the outbreak under control," Kennedy said during a healthcare fraud briefing Tuesday. "We have done extensive forensics, epidemiological forensics and we have identified the source of the outbreak. We, and the companies that are involved, have implemented a recall."
Kennedy's comments came two days after the FDA said an earlier laboratory result indicating a Taylor Farms lettuce sample tested positive for cyclospora should be considered a false positive following an additional laboratory review.
The FDA said it continues investigating the outbreak and collecting product samples. While traceback investigators identified Taylor Farms de Mexico as the supplier of shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell restaurants linked to the outbreak, the agency said no product samples connected to the investigation have produced a confirmed positive result for the parasite.
White House Addresses Growing Parasite Outbreak After More Than 400 Americans Sickened
#source #positive #parasite
16 days ago
(NEXSTAR) – Yet another state has been linked to the multistate outbreak of the parasite-linked sickness cyclosporiasis as investigators seek to positively identify the cause.
While the Food and Drug Administration has confirmed that a positive test result linked to samples of Taylor Farms-branded shredded lettuce sourced from central Mexico was instead a false positive, the investigation remains focused on the produce.
"FDA's traceback investigation and outbreak data continue to converge on shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms locations in central Mexico," the FDA said Monday. The agency added that it "will continue to work with federal and state partners to investigate this multistate outbreak and ensure products implicated in this outbreak have been removed from the market."
Product samples are still being collected, but "there are no confirmed positive sample results" linked to the cyclospora outbreak, the FDA said.
Is recalled lettuce safe after false positive result? FDA issues warning
While the Food and Drug Administration has confirmed that a positive test result linked to samples of Taylor Farms-branded shredded lettuce sourced from central Mexico was instead a false positive, the investigation remains focused on the produce.
"FDA's traceback investigation and outbreak data continue to converge on shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms locations in central Mexico," the FDA said Monday. The agency added that it "will continue to work with federal and state partners to investigate this multistate outbreak and ensure products implicated in this outbreak have been removed from the market."
Product samples are still being collected, but "there are no confirmed positive sample results" linked to the cyclospora outbreak, the FDA said.
Is recalled lettuce safe after false positive result? FDA issues warning
16 days ago
(NewsNation) — Three Ohio residents are suing Taco Bell, alleging they became sick after eating at the restaurant as a cyclospora outbreak continues to spread.
According to NewsNation affiliate WJW, food safety attorney Bill Marler has filed lawsuits on behalf of a Youngstown man, a North Olmsted man and, most recently, an Ashtabula County woman.
The lawsuits also name Taylor Farms, Taco Bell's lettuce supplier, alleging contaminated lettuce caused the illnesses. Marler said the Midwest has become the center of the current outbreak.
When was the last cyclosporiasis 'explosive diarrhea' outbreak?
According to one lawsuit, the North Olmsted man ate a meal containing lettuce at a Taco Bell restaurant in June. About a week later, he began experiencing symptoms and was subsequently diagnosed with cyclosporiasis.
According to NewsNation affiliate WJW, food safety attorney Bill Marler has filed lawsuits on behalf of a Youngstown man, a North Olmsted man and, most recently, an Ashtabula County woman.
The lawsuits also name Taylor Farms, Taco Bell's lettuce supplier, alleging contaminated lettuce caused the illnesses. Marler said the Midwest has become the center of the current outbreak.
When was the last cyclosporiasis 'explosive diarrhea' outbreak?
According to one lawsuit, the North Olmsted man ate a meal containing lettuce at a Taco Bell restaurant in June. About a week later, he began experiencing symptoms and was subsequently diagnosed with cyclosporiasis.
18 days ago
A sample of shredded iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms de Mexico has tested positive for cyclospora, federal health officials said July 18, noting that the lettuce was collected as part of an ongoing investigation and is not included in the company's current recall.
The investigation has raised questions about whether there is more lettuce posing potential risk.
In the latest update from the Food and Drug Administration, the agency said a sample of shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico recently tested positive for cyclospora. The sample was not part of the lettuce recalled July 17 for potential risk of cyclospora.
The FDA said the contaminated sample was collected through targeted import surveillance conducted as part of the agency's probe. The agency said Taylor Farms confirmed the positive sample is not part of the company's current voluntary recall.
The company is "currently working to identify whether any part of this implicated lot is available in commerce or in consumers homes," according to the FDA, which said the positive lot is being detained while the investigation continues.
The investigation has raised questions about whether there is more lettuce posing potential risk.
In the latest update from the Food and Drug Administration, the agency said a sample of shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico recently tested positive for cyclospora. The sample was not part of the lettuce recalled July 17 for potential risk of cyclospora.
The FDA said the contaminated sample was collected through targeted import surveillance conducted as part of the agency's probe. The agency said Taylor Farms confirmed the positive sample is not part of the company's current voluntary recall.
The company is "currently working to identify whether any part of this implicated lot is available in commerce or in consumers homes," according to the FDA, which said the positive lot is being detained while the investigation continues.
19 days ago
Taco Bell has narrowed down its focus on ingredients linked to an ongoing cyclosporiasis outbreak that has sickened thousands of people nationwide. The suspected culprit: lettuce.
The fast-food chain said July 16 it had removed lettuce from one of its suppliers in select states after reports linked the ingredient to the growing cases of the stomach-churning parasitic infection that causes diarrhea and nausea across several states.
"Based on ongoing conversations with public health officials, and out of an abundance of caution, Taco Bell has taken immediate action to voluntarily remove potentially impacted lettuce from a supplier in select states," the company said in a statement.
The lettuce supplied by the vendor would be "indefinitely removed" from its supply chain nationwide and replaced within 24 hours in affected states, according to Taco Bell. The company did not identify the supplier or specify which states were affected by the removal.
The fast-food chain said July 16 it had removed lettuce from one of its suppliers in select states after reports linked the ingredient to the growing cases of the stomach-churning parasitic infection that causes diarrhea and nausea across several states.
"Based on ongoing conversations with public health officials, and out of an abundance of caution, Taco Bell has taken immediate action to voluntarily remove potentially impacted lettuce from a supplier in select states," the company said in a statement.
The lettuce supplied by the vendor would be "indefinitely removed" from its supply chain nationwide and replaced within 24 hours in affected states, according to Taco Bell. The company did not identify the supplier or specify which states were affected by the removal.
22 days ago
(NEXSTAR) – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed more than 800 cases of cyclosporiasis, a gastrointestinal illness that causes extreme diarrhea, across more than half of U.S. states. The grand total appears set to continue climbing as the agency is investigating more than 1,500 likely new cases.
The illness is cause by the cyclospora parasite, which enters the body through contaminated produce. If you're unlucky enough to ingest it, you may get stuck with weeks of watery diarrhea as well as "frequent and sometimes explosive bowel movements," according to the CDC.
The exact source of this massive outbreak isn't yet known, but in the past cyclospora has largely been found on fresh fruits and vegetables that were contaminated by irrigation water tainted with feces.
Map: Cases of 'explosive' diarrhea illness continue to climb
Historically, the most commonly contaminated foods were raspberries, basil, cilantro, green onions, snow peas, lettuce, mesclun and salad mixes. A study reviewing outbreaks since the 1990s found cyclospora may also have contaminated blackberries, watercress, mango, and vegetable trays.
The illness is cause by the cyclospora parasite, which enters the body through contaminated produce. If you're unlucky enough to ingest it, you may get stuck with weeks of watery diarrhea as well as "frequent and sometimes explosive bowel movements," according to the CDC.
The exact source of this massive outbreak isn't yet known, but in the past cyclospora has largely been found on fresh fruits and vegetables that were contaminated by irrigation water tainted with feces.
Map: Cases of 'explosive' diarrhea illness continue to climb
Historically, the most commonly contaminated foods were raspberries, basil, cilantro, green onions, snow peas, lettuce, mesclun and salad mixes. A study reviewing outbreaks since the 1990s found cyclospora may also have contaminated blackberries, watercress, mango, and vegetable trays.
22 days ago
A man in New York City contracted the cyclospora parasite in May, after eating chopped lettuce.
He experienced 10 days of watery diarrhea, severe indigestion, and stomach pain, with no appetite.
Lettuce has been identified as a potential source of the outbreak.
This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Chase Strangio, a 43-year-old attorney from New York City who recently tested positive for the cyclospora parasite. It's been edited for length and clarity.
I am not someone who normally skips dinner; I love food. But on a busy Wednesday evening in late May, I just couldn't bring myself to eat anything.
He experienced 10 days of watery diarrhea, severe indigestion, and stomach pain, with no appetite.
Lettuce has been identified as a potential source of the outbreak.
This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Chase Strangio, a 43-year-old attorney from New York City who recently tested positive for the cyclospora parasite. It's been edited for length and clarity.
I am not someone who normally skips dinner; I love food. But on a busy Wednesday evening in late May, I just couldn't bring myself to eat anything.
