Cyclospora Outbreak Lawsuit Blames Taco Bell Lettuce for Causing Man’s Illness

Reports link the source for one of the largest Cyclospora outbreaks in recent years to contaminated lettuce from Taylor Farms that was distributed through Taco Bell and other vendors.

An Ohio man has filed a Cyclospora outbreak lawsuit against the operator of a Taco Bell restaurant, alleging contaminated food served at the fast-food chain caused him to contract a severe parasitic infection.

The complaint (PDF) was brought by Mohammed R. Ayyad in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio on July 16. It names Pacific Bells LLC, which operates the Taco Bell restaurant in North Olmsted, Ohio, as the primary defendant, along with unidentified growers, suppliers and distributors that allegedly provided contaminated ingredients used in the restaurant’s food.

The lawsuit was filed as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and state health agencies continue investigating a multistate Cyclospora outbreak that has sickened thousands of people nationwide.

Cyclospora Outbreak Investigation

Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that causes the intestinal infection cyclosporiasis, which is typically contracted by consuming fresh produce or water contaminated with human waste. Unlike many foodborne illnesses, Cyclospora is not usually spread directly between people because the parasite must first undergo a period of maturation in the environment before it becomes capable of causing infection.

The CDC issued a nationwide health advisory on July 14 reporting 1,645 laboratory-confirmed domestically acquired Cyclospora infections since May 1, along with more than 5,100 additional illnesses still under investigation. The agency has also identified an epidemiological link between more than 400 illnesses in Ohio, Michigan, Kentucky and West Virginia that appear to have originated from a common source.

On Thursday, health officials linked the outbreak to shredded iceberg lettuce sold through Taco Bell locations in at least five states. Reports suggest the lettuce came from Mexico and was distributed by Taylor Farms to Taco Bell and potentially other vendors. Investigators had previously indicated fresh produce was the leading suspect, consistent with prior Cyclospora outbreaks involving leafy greens, herbs and other produce items.

Ayyad’s complaint notes Taco Bell temporarily stopped serving lettuce, cilantro, onions, pico de gallo and guacamole at some restaurants while officials examined whether ingredients used by the chain may have contributed to the outbreak.

Taco Bell Cyclospora Outbreak Allegations

According to the lawsuit, Ayyad ate multiple meals from a Taco Bell restaurant in North Olmsted, Ohio on June 14 and June 21, including Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes and Avocado Ranch Chicken Stackers containing fresh produce ingredients. Within days of his final meal, he allegedly developed symptoms consistent with Cyclospora infection, including severe headaches, chills, vomiting, persistent diarrhea, weakness and an inability to tolerate food.

The complaint indicates Ayyad sought medical treatment after his symptoms continued for more than a week. A stool sample collected on July 6 allegedly tested positive for Cyclospora cayetanensis on July 9, confirming the parasitic infection.

The lawsuit maintains Taco Bell sold contaminated food that was unfit for human consumption and failed to take adequate steps to prevent contaminated ingredients from reaching customers. It also alleges unidentified suppliers and growers are responsible for allowing contaminated produce to enter the food supply.

“As a direct and proximate result of his Cyclospora infection, Plaintiff missed approximately two weeks of work and suffered lost income, in addition to his physical illness, pain, suffering, and other injuries.”

— Mohammed R. Ayyad v. Pacific Bells LLC et al.

The lawsuit raises allegations of strict product liability, violation of the Ohio Consumer Sales Practice Act and breach of warranty. It seeks damages for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost enjoyment of life and other losses allegedly caused by the infection.

As the investigation continues, additional Cyclospora food poisoning lawsuits are expected to be filed by individuals who believe contaminated food served by Taco Bell or other restaurants caused their illnesses. If investigators identify a specific contaminated ingredient or supplier, the litigation could expand to include growers, distributors and manufacturers alleged to have allowed contaminated produce to enter the food supply.

Similar outbreaks involving E. coli, Salmonella and Listeria have resulted in multiple product liability claims alleging companies may have failed to follow adequate food safety practices.

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