Taco Bell Sued Over Cyclospora Outbreak Linked to Contaminated Lettuce

Taco Bell is facing its first lawsuits over a cyclospora outbreak that has sickened over 1,600 people across the United States and has been linked to contaminated lettuce. The lawsuits allege that customers became ill with severe diarrhea and other symptoms after consuming lettuce served at the fast-food chain.

An Ohio man and a Michigan couple are among the first to file legal action. The Ohio man, Mohammed Ayyad, claims he became sick after three visits to a Taco Bell in North Olmsted, Ohio, in mid-June. His lawsuit, filed in Ohio federal court, alleges he developed a severe headache, chills, vomiting, and persistent diarrhea. A stool test later confirmed he had contracted the parasite, leading to missed work and ongoing nausea. Ayyad's attorney has indicated plans to add Taylor Farms, identified as the lettuce supplier, as a defendant.

In Michigan, Preston and Marie Parrish filed a lawsuit in federal court alleging they contracted cyclosporiasis after eating at a Taco Bell in Durand, Mich., on June 30. Their complaint names Taco Bell Corp., Taco Bell of America, and Taylor Farms as defendants, alleging they consumed lettuce with fecal contamination.

Attorney Bill Marler, who represents food poisoning victims, stated that his firm has been contacted by more than 30 people, with 90% of them having eaten at Taco Bell. "We have been contacted by more than 30 people and 90% of them ate at Taco Bell," Marler told The Post.

Taco Bell has stated it is voluntarily removing "potentially impacted lettuce from a supplier in select states." Taylor Farms, a supplier of shredded iceberg lettuce to Taco Bell, has announced it is recalling iceberg lettuce sourced from Mexico, citing information provided by the FDA. The company has also stated that its own branded salads and kits are not associated with the outbreak.

As of July 17, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 1,645 lab-confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis in 34 states since May 1. Michigan has been the hardest-hit state. The CDC has advised customers to avoid lettuce at Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, West Virginia, and Ohio. At least 141 people have been hospitalized as a result of the outbreak, though no deaths have been reported. Federal authorities are reviewing over 5,100 additional reports that may be linked to cyclosporiasis, and the number of confirmed cases is expected to increase. New York State alone reported 511 cases between May 1 and July 10.