Three Ohio residents have filed lawsuits against Taco Bell and its lettuce supplier, Taylor Farms, alleging they contracted cyclosporiasis after dining at the fast-food chain, as a multistate outbreak of the parasitic infection continues to spread.
Food safety attorney Bill Marler, known for high-profile litigation in foodborne illness cases, is representing the plaintiffs. The lawsuits were filed on behalf of a Youngstown man, a North Olmsted man, and most recently, an Ashtabula County woman, according to Cleveland news station WJW.
The legal action targets both Taco Bell and Taylor Farms, the California-based produce supplier, accusing them of distributing contaminated lettuce that caused the illnesses. Marler said the Midwest has become the epicenter of the current outbreak, which has alarmed public health officials and consumers alike.
Cyclosporiasis, caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, typically leads to gastrointestinal distress, including watery diarrhea, nausea, and fatigue. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported hundreds of cases across multiple states, with a significant cluster linked to tainted lettuce.
Earlier this month, Taco Bell pulled lettuce from its restaurants as the Food and Drug Administration launched an investigation into the supply chain. Taylor Farms expanded its recall of iceberg lettuce as cyclosporiasis cases surpassed 1,600 across 34 states, raising questions about food safety protocols in the fast-food industry.
The lawsuits come amid broader concerns about produce safety. Some economists have suggested the outbreak could temporarily lower lettuce prices due to reduced demand, while food safety experts are questioning the effectiveness of common treatments like vinegar washes in eliminating Cyclospora from fresh produce.
Marler, who has represented victims in numerous foodborne illness cases, including the Jack in the Box E. coli outbreak, said the litigation aims to hold both the restaurant chain and its supplier accountable for failing to prevent contamination. The plaintiffs are seeking damages for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Taco Bell has not publicly commented on the lawsuits but has stated it is cooperating with the FDA probe. Taylor Farms has defended its safety measures, though the recall suggests acknowledgment of potential lapses.
As the outbreak continues to unfold, the legal battle underscores the vulnerability of the U.S. food supply chain and the need for stricter oversight. For now, affected consumers in Ohio and beyond are turning to the courts for redress, while public health agencies work to contain the spread of the parasite.
