A Michigan couple has filed a federal lawsuit, through their attorneys, OFT Law PLLC, against Taco Bell and produce supplier Taylor Farms, alleging they became seriously ill after eating contaminated lettuce during a multistate Cyclospora outbreak linked to Taco Bell restaurants.
The complaint, filed July 17 in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, names Taco Bell Corp., Taco Bell of America LLC and Taylor Fresh Foods Inc., doing business as Taylor Farms, as defendants.
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Plaintiffs Preston and Marie Parrish from Durand allege they ate food containing shredded iceberg lettuce at a Taco Bell restaurant in Shiawassee County on June 30 and later contracted cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness caused by the Cyclospora parasite.
The lawsuit claims the lettuce served at the restaurant was contaminated and supplied by Taylor Farms.
The couple alleges the contamination resulted from unsafe growing or processing conditions and seeks damages exceeding $75,000, along with attorney fees and other costs.
The complaint includes claims of negligence, strict liability, breach of warranty, and violations of the Michigan Consumer Protection Act.
--> Cyclosporiasis outbreak: Cases in Michigan rise to more than 6,500
Outbreak spans multiple states
According to the lawsuit, federal and state health officials have linked a multistate Cyclospora outbreak to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell locations.
As of July 16, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had reported 1,644 confirmed illnesses across Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia.
Around 94 people had been hospitalized, and no deaths had been reported.
The plaintiffs allege Michigan has been among the states hardest hit by the outbreak and claim that the contaminated lettuce traced in the FDA’s investigation was supplied by Taylor Farms.
Prior knowledge alleged
The lawsuit also alleges that Taylor Farms had prior knowledge of the risks of Cyclospora contamination, given prior foodborne illness outbreaks involving its produce. It further claims Taco Bell exercised control over its food supply chain and approved the suppliers used by its restaurants.
What is Cyclospora?
Cyclospora is a parasite that causes gastrointestinal illness. Symptoms include prolonged diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, fatigue, and weight loss.
The parasite is typically spread through food or water contaminated with human feces.
What damages are sought
The Parrishes are seeking compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, emotional distress, lost enjoyment of life, and other damages.
Neither Taco Bell nor Taylor Farms had filed responses to the complaint as of Tuesday (July 21).
The allegations in the lawsuit have not been proven in court.