Michigan couple sues Taco Bell and Taylor Farms over Cyclospora-linked lettuce
A Michigan couple has filed a federal lawsuit alleging that contaminated shredded lettuce from Taco Bell caused them to contract Cyclospora, seeking damages exceeding $75,000.
A federal complaint filed in the Eastern District of Michigan on July 17 accuses Taco Bell Corp., Taco Bell of America LLC and produce supplier Taylor Farms of supplying shredded iceberg lettuce that was contaminated with the Cyclospora parasite. The plaintiffs, Preston and Marie Parrish of Durand, say they ate the lettuce at a Taco Bell restaurant in Shiawassee County on June 30 and later developed cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness caused by the parasite.
The lawsuit alleges the lettuce was contaminated due to unsafe growing or processing conditions and claims the defendants are liable under negligence, strict liability, breach of warranty and the Michigan Consumer Protection Act. The Parrishes seek more than $75,000 in damages, plus attorney fees and other costs, for medical expenses, pain and suffering and related losses.
Federal and state health officials have linked a multistate Cyclospora outbreak to shredded lettuce served at Taco Bell locations. As of mid-July, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 1,644 confirmed illnesses across five states, with about 94 hospitalizations and no deaths.
"Taylor Farms had prior knowledge of the risks of Cyclospora contamination, given prior foodborne illness outbreaks involving its produce," the complaint states, adding that Taco Bell exercised control over its supply chain and approved the supplier.
Both Taco Bell and Taylor Farms have not yet responded to the filing, and the allegations remain unproven in court.