Taco Bell Investigating Pic Of Employee Licking Taco Shells

RIDGECREST (CBSLA.com) — Taco Bell has launched an investigation into an online photo of an employee licking a line of taco shells.

The picture, posted by user "Jj O'Brien Nolan" on the fast food chain's Facebook feed Sunday, was reportedly taken at a Taco Bell in Ridgecrest, which is located in Kern County.

A manager at the restaurant told CNBC, "We're currently dealing with it."

In a statement on Facebook, the company said it believes the entire situation was a prank.

"We have strict food handling procedures and zero tolerance for any violations. We believe this is a prank and the food was not served to customers. We are conducting an investigation and will be taking swift action against those involved."