‘Explosive diarrhea’ parasite prompts some restaurants to change the menu

Parasitic Infection Sparks Menu Changes as Cyclospora Cases Climb Nationwide

Explosive diarrhea parasite prompts some restaurants - A growing cyclosporiasis outbreak has left hundreds, and potentially thousands, of Americans suffering from a persistent parasitic illness. For those who enjoy eating at restaurants, this health crisis creates a particular difficulty in maintaining safe dining habits while avoiding the infection.

Although health experts have provided guidance for preparing meals at home, eating out requires trusting that another party handles food preparation correctly. This includes ensuring produce is washed properly and cooked to appropriate temperatures.

Expert Advice and Industry Response

"Consumers, whether they're at home or at restaurants, have to be a bit more cautious and, frankly, paranoid," Bill Marler, a food safety attorney, explained to USA TODAY. Having represented numerous individuals affected by this illness, Marler added, "It is not pleasant, and it can last for months."

Several dining establishments have begun removing potentially risky ingredients from their offerings as health authorities urge caution. However, large national restaurant chains have remained relatively quiet regarding their internal response strategies. The outbreak has impacted different regions unevenly, with certain states documenting hundreds or even thousands of cases while other areas report virtually no infections.

"We are aware of the cyclospora investigation and at this time, we don't believe the ingredients we source are associated," Schalow said. "We are monitoring the situation closely and evaluating any new information as it becomes available. The health and safety of our guests and team members is our highest priority."

USA TODAY contacted the National Restaurant Association, which speaks for the food service industry, along with several prominent national fast-food chains to determine if they are implementing any special measures related to the outbreak. These companies included YUM! Brands (Taco Bell's parent organization), McDonald's, Chick-fil-A, Jersey Mike's, Burger King, Subway, and Wendy's. None had provided immediate responses to USA TODAY's inquiries at the time of publication.

Understanding the Outbreak

Health investigators continue to identify the root cause of the cyclosporiasis increase. What is known is that fresh produce and water supplies can contain cyclospora, a parasite typically transmitted through fecal matter that people consume in contaminated food or beverages.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recorded more than 840 confirmed cases as of July 9. However, state health departments are reporting substantially higher figures, with thousands of suspected infections spread across the United States. Michigan has experienced a dramatic surge in cases, with local health officials identifying over 1,500 infections and hospitalizing 44 patients.

While the parasitic infection rarely proves fatal and direct transmission between people is uncommon, untreated cyclosporiasis can cause symptoms to persist for over a month. Affected individuals may experience watery bowel movements, explosive diarrhea, fatigue, diminished appetite, nausea, and vomiting.

Restaurant Precautions

At home, consumers can minimize their risk of contracting the parasite through regular hand-washing before handling produce and cooking fruits and vegetables thoroughly to eliminate the organism.

As officials work to pinpoint the outbreak's origin, several restaurants are proactively communicating their safety procedures to customers.

On July 10, Dipisa's Pizza in Stevensville, Michigan, announced it would temporarily remove lettuce, tomatoes, and onions from its menu as a precautionary measure.

"Rather than take any unnecessary risks, we've decided it's best to pause serving these fresh produce items until more information is available and the situation is resolved," the pizzeria stated in a Facebook post.

Similarly, the Red B Restaurant in Idabel, Oklahoma, shared on July 10 that despite no confirmed cyclosporiasis cases in Oklahoma, the establishment was implementing extra safety steps. The restaurant began soaking and washing produce again, even when lettuce and spinach came pre-washed but unbagged. This additional washing might result in slightly wetter salads, according to their announcement. The restaurant also removed kale and parsley from its menu because these greens are more difficult to clean thoroughly.

In Michigan, Roma's Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant explained that it has always purchased whole heads of lettuce rather than using bagged varieties, cutting them fresh each day. This practice, implemented before the outbreak, was chosen for superior freshness, texture, and quality. The restaurant noted it had not received any illness reports connected to its lettuce supply.

USA TODAY has contacted these restaurants for additional details about their ongoing safety measures.

Currently, federal health organization guidance has primarily emphasized food preparation at home rather than dining out. As the investigation continues, both consumers and restaurants remain vigilant in their efforts to prevent further spread of this uncomfortable parasitic infection.