Taco Bell, Chipotle, Yoshinoya

Taco Bell has issued a statement in response to national reports that it is being investigated as a possible source in the national cyclospora outbreak that has sickened over 3,000 people. The company said public health officials have not confirmed a link to Taco Bell or any specific ingredient, supplier, restaurant or retailer, adding that it has voluntarily and temporarily removed limited ingredients at select restaurants as a precautionary measure. Reports surfaced last week that some Taco Bells in Michigan removed ingredients like lettuce, pico de gallo, and guacamole.

Other chains, including Chipotle and Qdoba, said they are monitoring the situation and evaluating new information as it becomes available.

Chipotle has officially made its debut in Mexico in partnership with Alsea, which operates a portfolio of restaurant brands in Latin America and Europe. The chain’s new restaurant is in Monterrey, with additional locations planned this year and next. The company said it chose Monterrey for its Mexico debut because it has a strong economy and growing population. Chipotle signed its development agreement with Alsea last spring, shortly after CEO Scott Boatwright said he wanted the chain to become more of “an iconic global brand.”

The parent company of Yoshinoya has added a U.S. ramen brand to its portfolio.

Yoshinoya Holdings Co. Ltd, based in Japan, this week announced the acquisition of the 17-unit Kizuki Ramen & Izakaya. The ramen chain was founded in Seattle in 2012 by Brandon Ting, who also founded the Supreme Dumplings concept.

The acquisition, however, just focuses on Kizuki, and Ting will stay on as CEO. Yoshinoya Holdings operates the 100-unit quick-service teriyaki-bowl concept Yoshinoya across the U.S.

, and many other brands in Asia. Yoshinoya officials say the strategic partnership with Kizuki is designed to foster growth of both brands across the U.S.