Officials have found the source of the bad Taco Bell iceberg lettuce to be a supplier in Mexico (Taylor Farms.) This company has been the source of contaminated lettuce before, and says that none of the bagged lettuces they ship to the U.S. for retail sale are involved in the current outbreak because none of them contain iceberg lettuce. So while the source of the parasite served by those Taco Bells in 5 states has been identified, investigations continue to identify other sources in those 5 states plus the other 29 states where outbreaks have occurred.
Some time ago restaurants switched from prepping lettuce in their kitchens to buying bagged lettuce in part to avoid on-site contamination. I guess it's a reasonable tactic until something like this happens, then they're just another source of contaminated food. If you're an independent restaurant no one hears about it. If you're a chain restaurant, you got a major PR issue...and maybe some legal exposure. Grocery stores get a pass.
Some time ago restaurants switched from prepping lettuce in their kitchens to buying bagged lettuce in part to avoid on-site contamination. I guess it's a reasonable tactic until something like this happens, then they're just another source of contaminated food. If you're an independent restaurant no one hears about it. If you're a chain restaurant, you got a major PR issue...and maybe some legal exposure. Grocery stores get a pass.
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