Texas Outbreak Reveals Taco Bell’s Surprising New Role

Well, this is a plot twist I definitely didn't see coming!

For years, Taco Bell has been the target of just about every stomach joke on the internet. Now, during the ongoing Cyclospora outbreak affecting parts of the country, including Texas, the fast-food chain is getting attention for doing something surprisingly responsible.

For once, Taco Bell isn't the punchline.

Taco Bell is Pulling Some Fresh Ingredients

According to reports, some Taco Bell locations have temporarily stopped serving ingredients including lettuce, pico de gallo, guacamole and the chain's cilantro-onion blend out of an abundance of caution while the investigation continues.

It's important to note that Taco Bell hasn't been identified as the source of the outbreak, and the precaution doesn't necessarily apply to every location. So before anyone starts canceling their next Crunchwrap Supreme, this isn't a sign that every Taco Bell is affected.

Instead, it's the company taking a "better safe than sorry" approach while health officials work to pinpoint where the contaminated produce may have originated.

READ MORE: Texas Cyclospora Outbreak Puts Focus on These Summer Foods

Why Lettuce is Getting So Much Attention

If you've been following the Cyclospora outbreak, you've probably noticed one ingredient keeps coming up: lettuce.

While investigators are still working to identify the exact source, leafy greens are often a focus during outbreaks like this because they're eaten raw instead of being cooked.

That doesn't mean you need to swear off tacos or salads. Health officials haven't told people to avoid all lettuce, and investigators are still working to determine exactly where the contaminated produce came from. For restaurants, though, temporarily pulling a few fresh ingredients is one way to play it safe while that investigation continues.

READ MORE: Texans May Have Been Eating Beaver Nuggets Wrong this Whole Time

For Once Taco Bell Isn’t the Punchline

Naturally, the internet wasted no time pointing out the irony.

For decades, Taco Bell has been the go-to punchline anytime someone wanted to make a joke about explosive diarrhea.

Now, during a real foodborne illness outbreak, the chain is getting credit for taking extra precautions before anyone has linked it to the investigation- Taco Bell, of all places!

I never thought I'd see the day Taco Bell earned praise for being the cautious one, but it's a refreshing reminder that sometimes the best move a company can make is putting safety first. I'll probably still get that Crunchwrap Supreme- hold the lettuce.