Michigan Couple Sues Taco Bell, Taylor Farms for $75K After Cyclosporiasis Infection

A Michigan couple has filed a $75,000 lawsuit against Taco Bell and Taylor Fresh Foods after contracting cyclosporiasis, a parasitic infection linked to contaminated shredded lettuce served at the fast-food chain.

The lawsuit comes as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continue investigating a nationwide outbreak that has sickened thousands across multiple states.

The Outbreak and Investigation

Federal health officials have traced the source of the outbreak to shredded iceberg lettuce from central Mexico, supplied by Taylor Fresh Foods to Taco Bell restaurants. The FDA announced the traceback investigation findings on Friday, confirming the link between the produce and the cyclosporiasis cases.

As of Monday, more than 6,000 people in Michigan have reported cyclosporiasis infections, with 102 hospitalizations statewide, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

What is Cyclosporiasis?

Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. Symptoms typically include:

• Watery diarrhea

• Loss of appetite and weight loss

• Cramping and bloating

• Increased gas

• Nausea and fatigue

• Low-grade fever

Symptoms can last from a few days to more than a month and may relapse after appearing to improve. The infection is typically spread through contaminated food or water.

Voluntary Recall Issued

Taylor Farms issued a voluntary recall of their iceberg lettuce from central Mexico following the FDA's announcement. The company noted that less than 1% of their U.S. iceberg lettuce supply was implicated as the potential source.

The recalled shredded iceberg lettuce was distributed in 27 states including Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. No Taylor Farms branded salads or kits are associated with the recall.

Taco Bell Response

Taco Bell stopped serving and using ingredients that could be implicated in the outbreak as a precaution nearly a week before the FDA linked their shredded lettuce to the outbreak. The company removed all Taylor Farms lettuce from their restaurants in impacted states and, out of caution, nationwide.

"Our thoughts remain with everyone who has fallen ill in this outbreak," Taylor Farms officials said in a statement. "We are committed to working with public health authorities as the ongoing outbreak investigation continues."

What Michigan Residents Should Know

For Battle Creek and Michigan residents, this outbreak serves as an important reminder about food safety. If you have consumed Taco Bell products recently and are experiencing symptoms of cyclosporiasis, health officials recommend contacting your healthcare provider.

The CDC provides guidance on cyclosporiasis including prevention tips and when to seek medical attention.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the symptoms of cyclosporiasis?

A: Cyclosporiasis symptoms include watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramps, bloating, increased gas, nausea, fatigue, and sometimes low-grade fever. Symptoms can last from a few days to over a month and may relapse.

Q: Which states are affected by the Taylor Farms lettuce recall?

A: The recalled shredded iceberg lettuce was distributed in 27 states: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin.

Q: What should I do if I think I have cyclosporiasis from contaminated lettuce?

A: If you are experiencing symptoms of cyclosporiasis, contact your healthcare provider immediately. The infection is treatable with prescription antibiotics. You should also report your illness to your local health department to help track the outbreak.