Taco Bell is being dumped on by social media users after being linked to a severe diarrhea outbreak that’s keeping the nation on the edge of its seat.
Federal health officials are blaming lettuce served at the popular chain for the spread of cyclospora in five states. That diarrhea-causing parasite is usually transmitted when infected fecal matter contaminates food or water, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
New York health officials have recorded hundreds of cases of explosive diarrhea in recent weeks. The cases being blamed on Taco Bell lettuce are only known thus far to have affected consumers in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia.
However, criticism over Taco Bell’s alleged cyclospora issues were quick to spread worldwide on social media platforms like X despite the fast food chain’s silence on that platform since last week.
“Spiritually sitting in a taco bell parking lot at sunset,” the eatery dreamily posted on July 8.
“That’s funny,” an X user calling himself Alex M responded late Thursday night. “I’m at my house with exploding [bowel] movements after enjoying your lettuce.”
Others joked that the company might be able to turn its latest public relations challenge into an opportunity.
“I heard taco bell is including ivermectin with combo meals now,” wrote one commenter referring to a commonly used anti-parasite drug.
One concerned customer wondered on Wednesday if the chalupa he ate on Tuesday would incubate in his system.
“Will I have explosive diarrhea in a week or two?” that user asked.
The Centers for Disease Control warns that Cyclosporiasis symptoms usually begin about one week after victims become infected. They can include appetite loss, cramping, bloating, nausea, fatigue and sloppy stools.
Health officials said the lettuce causing problems among Taco Bell users was traced to a single supplier in California that’s been identified. Taco Bell said it took “immediate action” to voluntarily rid itself of potentially impacted lettuce.
With News Wire Services