McDonald's salads leave 500 ill in US

More than 500 people in the US have become sick with an intestinal illness after eating McDonald's salads, according to health officials.

US federal health officials have confirmed more than 500 cases of the intestinal illness linked to the salads.

The illnesses reported earlier this year are linked to the cyclospora parasite, which can cause diarrhoea, intestinal pain, nausea or tiredness.

The Food and Drug Administration said on Friday that 507 cases have been confirmed in 15 states and New York City.

McDonald's stopped the sale of salads at 3,000 restaurants last month until it could find a different supplier.

The FDA says it is still investigating the supplier of romaine lettuce and carrots.

States with cases include: Iowa, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.

Officials also said people sickened in Connecticut, Florida, New York City, Tennessee, and Virginia had travelled in Illinois and Kentucky.