Taco Bell Sued Over Salmonella Outbreak

It was reported last week that a recent multi-state outbreak of salmonella had been linked to food sold at Taco Bell. So it should come as no surprise that a lawsuit has been filed against the fast food chain over the incident.

According to the lawsuit filed against the Bell’s parent company Yum! Brands:

[The plaintiff ] purchased food from a Taco Bell in Frankfort, Kentucky on May 24. On May 26, she awoke with symptoms including nausea and diarrhea. She rested for a couple of days so that she could accompany her son on an important trip. However even as she traveled, her symptoms continued to worsen and include fever and vomiting, at times containing blood. Her family rushed her to an emergency room, where she was treated for her infection – determined to be the outbreak strain of Salmonella Hartford – as well as for dehydration and anemia. She continues to recover from her illness.

As reported last week, the Centers for Disease Control have been investigating a recent outbreak of two rare strains of salmonella that affected at least 155 people in 21 states. While the CDC hadn’t publicly named Taco Bell as the source of the bacteria, other officials who have been working with the CDC said it has “been clear for weeks that Taco Bell was the source for many of the illnesses.”

It’s believed that the original source for the salmonella is one of the suppliers of raw produce — lettuce, tomatoes, etc. — to the fast food chain.

Marler Clark Files First Salmonella Lawsuit in Outbreaks Linked to Taco Bell [BusinessWire.com]

Lawsuit Filed Against Taco Bell Parent Company Yum Brands [GossipJackal]

Want more consumer news? Visit our parent organization, Consumer Reports, for the latest on scams, recalls, and other consumer issues.