No cyclospora outbreaks reported or tainted lettuce sold in Canada, officials say

Federal officials say there have been no outbreaks of the diarrhea-causing parasite cyclospora in Canada and that no lettuce implicated in an ongoing U.S. outbreak has been distributed in the country.

Iceberg lettuce from Mexico served at Taco Bell restaurants in five American states has been identified as a source of the outbreak.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is warning people not to eat shredded iceberg lettuce from Taco Bells in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia.

Data from the agency released this week suggests that since May, nearly 7,000 people in multiple states may have been sickened with cyclosporiasis, a gastrointestinal illness caused by the parasite.

The bulk of the cases are in Michigan where local health officials have reported over 3,000 infections and suggested lettuce or salad greens could be a potential source. Michigan’s health department says no produce grower or supplier has been linked to the multi-state outbreak, and other foods cannot be ruled out yet.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency says it’s monitoring the situation in the United States closely and is in contact with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The Public Health Agency of Canada says it’s not investigating any cyclospora outbreaks but there is typically an increase in infections in the spring and summer linked to imported fruits and vegetables.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency said officials are closely monitoring developments south of the border and will take any necessary action to ensure the food supply is safe.