A lawsuit has reportedly been filed in the Mahoning County Court of Common Pleas in Ohio by David Ott against Taco Bell Corp., Taylor Fresh Foods Inc. dba Taylor Farms, and Charter Foods Inc. dba Taco Bell #027999. The complaint represents an individual action; no broader coordinated litigation or public settlement program has been verified in the sources reviewed for this page.
People diagnosed with cyclosporiasis after eating lettuce at an affected Taco Bell location may want to preserve medical and purchase records and seek an individual legal review.
Quick Facts
- The outbreak is linked to shredded iceberg lettuce from Mexico served at Taco Bell locations in five states.
- FDA and CDC have reported 1,644 illnesses, 94 hospitalizations, and no deaths.
- An individual lawsuit has been filed in Ohio; no broader coordinated litigation or settlement program has been verified.
- Taco Bell committed to stop using lettuce from the supplier identified through FDA’s traceback investigation.
Table Of Contents
- Latest News & Updates on Taco Bell Cyclospora Lawsuits
- What Is the Taco Bell Cyclospora Outbreak?
- What Is Cyclospora?
- Reported Risks or Injuries
- How Does the Problem Occur, and Who May Be Liable?
- Who May Be Affected?
- Do I Qualify?
- Do I Have a Taco Bell Cyclospora Lawsuit?
- Important Legal Actions or Recalls
- Potential Compensation
- Legal Process Overview
- Frequently Asked Questions About Taco Bell Cyclospora Lawsuits
- What is the Taco Bell Cyclospora outbreak?
- What Taco Bell ingredient is linked to the Cyclospora outbreak?
- Which states are affected by the Taco Bell Cyclospora outbreak?
- Who supplied the lettuce linked to Taco Bell Cyclospora illnesses?
- Has a Taco Bell Cyclospora lawsuit been filed?
- What symptoms are associated with Cyclospora infection?
- Can I file a Taco Bell Cyclospora lawsuit if I was hospitalized?
- What evidence should I save for a Taco Bell Cyclospora lawsuit?
- References
Latest News & Updates on Taco Bell Cyclospora Lawsuits
July 2026
July 17, 2026 – A complaint was filed in the Mahoning County Court of Common Pleas on behalf of David Ott, who alleges that he developed cyclosporiasis after eating food from a Taco Bell restaurant in June 2026. The complaint names Taco Bell Corp., Taylor Fresh Foods Inc. dba Taylor Farms, and Charter Foods Inc. dba Taco Bell #027999 as defendants [1, 2].
July 17, 2026 – Taco Bell said lettuce from the supplier implicated in the federal investigation was being removed from its supply chain. FDA continues to classify the five-state outbreak investigation as ongoing and says Taco Bell committed to stop using lettuce from the supplier identified through traceback [3].
July 16, 2026 – FDA announced that it was investigating a five-state Cyclospora outbreak linked to shredded iceberg lettuce from Mexico served at Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia. Federal investigators reported the outbreak count, hospitalization total, illness-onset range, and traceback convergence on a single supplier used by Taco Bell locations where sick people ate before becoming ill [3].
July 16, 2026 – FDA had not publicly named the supplier in its advisory, but Reuters reported that the lettuce supplier linked to the outbreak was Taylor Farms, citing a Washington Post report [4].
Background
August 2013 – CDC previously reported that a multistate cyclosporiasis outbreak involved 631 reported cases from 25 states and New York City. CDC said restaurant-associated illnesses in Iowa and Nebraska were linked to salad mix from Taylor Farms de Mexico in Guanajuato, Mexico, while some Texas illnesses were linked to fresh cilantro from Puebla, Mexico [5].
What Is the Taco Bell Cyclospora Outbreak?
The Taco Bell Cyclospora outbreak is a federal foodborne illness investigation involving shredded iceberg lettuce served at affected Taco Bell locations. FDA says the implicated lettuce came from Mexico and was served in the five affected states.
FDA says consumers should avoid eating food items with shredded iceberg lettuce from Mexico served at affected Taco Bell locations. Not every Taco Bell location in those states received implicated product.
The FDA advisory identifies the investigation as ongoing. Additional states, brands, restaurants, retailers, or distribution channels may be identified as more information becomes available.
FDA’s traceback investigation identified convergence on a single supplier used by Taco Bell locations where sick people ate. Media reports have identified that supplier as Taylor Farms, but FDA had not publicly named the supplier in its advisory.
What Is Cyclospora?
Cyclospora cayetanensis is a microscopic parasite that causes an intestinal illness called cyclosporiasis. People can become infected by consuming food or water contaminated with the parasite [6].
FDA lists common symptoms as diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramps or pain, bloating, increased gas, nausea, and fatigue. Vomiting, body aches, headache, and fever may also occur.
Symptoms may last from several days to more than a month if untreated. They can also appear to improve and then return one or more times.
Some people may develop dehydration or more serious complications requiring higher levels of care. Immunocompromised individuals may experience more severe or prolonged illness.
Reported Risks or Injuries
The reported outbreak cases involve cyclosporiasis, a gastrointestinal illness caused by Cyclospora infection. Dozens of people have been hospitalized in the federal outbreak count.
Reported symptoms may include diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, bloating, gas, loss of appetite, weight loss, fatigue, headache, body aches, vomiting, and fever. Some people experience symptoms that last for weeks or improve and then return.
The Ohio complaint alleges that David Ott purchased Taco Supremes from Taco Bell #027999 at 850 N. Canfield Niles Road in Youngstown, Ohio, on June 18 and June 20, 2026. The complaint alleges that he began experiencing severe abdominal pain, gas, diarrhea, nausea, dizziness, low-grade fever, and headaches by the morning of June 22 [1].
The complaint further alleges that he was admitted to Christus Good Shepherd Medical Center, underwent a colonoscopy, CT scan, blood testing, and stool studies, and tested positive for Cyclospora. It also alleges that he was discharged after two days of hospitalization with a prescription for Bactrim and continued to recover at home [1].
How Does the Problem Occur, and Who May Be Liable?
Cyclospora infection can occur when a person consumes food or water contaminated with the parasite. In this outbreak, FDA’s traceback investigation identified convergence on a single supplier of iceberg lettuce from Mexico used by Taco Bell locations where sick customers reported eating [3].
A legal investigation may examine lettuce sourcing, farm practices, water quality, worker hygiene, sanitation, processing controls, cold-chain records, distribution records, Taco Bell receiving records, restaurant handling practices, and supplier communications. It may also examine when potentially responsible parties received information about suspected contamination or illness reports and what actions they took in response.
The Ohio complaint alleges statutory product liability, supplier liability, strict product liability, negligence and negligence per se, and breach of implied warranties. Potentially responsible parties may include the lettuce supplier, grower, processor, distributor, Taco Bell, franchise operators, logistics companies, or other entities involved in producing, supplying, distributing, or serving the allegedly contaminated lettuce.
Who May Be Affected?
Consumers may be affected if they ate shredded iceberg lettuce from Mexico served at affected Taco Bell locations during the outbreak period. The relevant illness-onset range reported by FDA runs from May 13, 2026, to July 13, 2026.
People who ate Taco Bell menu items containing shredded iceberg lettuce at affected locations may have been exposed. Specific menu-item evidence should come from receipts, app orders, witness accounts, restaurant records, or documented complaint allegations.
Customers should contact a healthcare provider if they develop symptoms of cyclosporiasis, especially if they ate shredded iceberg lettuce from Taco Bell in the two weeks before becoming ill. FDA also recommends cleaning and sanitizing surfaces or containers that touched affected food items.
Families may be affected if illness caused missed work, medical bills, hospitalization, caregiving expenses, travel costs, dehydration, prolonged gastrointestinal symptoms, or continuing recovery needs. Some consumers may also face recurring symptoms after an initial improvement.
Do I Qualify?
- Did you eat a Taco Bell menu item containing shredded iceberg lettuce at a location in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, or West Virginia?
- Did you develop symptoms of cyclosporiasis afterward?
- Were you diagnosed with Cyclospora infection or treated for a serious gastrointestinal illness?
- Do you have medical records, laboratory results, receipts, app orders, bank records, or other evidence that may document your illness and Taco Bell visit?
A legal review can help determine eligibility by evaluating your exposure history, symptom timing, diagnosis, treatment, damages, available evidence, and applicable filing deadlines.
Do I Have a Taco Bell Cyclospora Lawsuit?
If you or a loved one developed cyclosporiasis after eating shredded lettuce from Taco Bell, you may have legal options. Contact Schmidt & Clark for a free case review.
Important Legal Actions or Recalls
| Event | Month/Year | Type | Status | Source | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| David Ott complaint against Taco Bell Corp., Taylor Farms, and Charter Foods | July 2026 | Foodborne illness lawsuit | Complaint filed electronically in Mahoning County Court of Common Pleas | Complaint and filing confirmation | The complaint alleges laboratory-confirmed cyclosporiasis after Taco Bell purchases in Youngstown, Ohio, in June 2026. |
| FDA five-state Cyclospora outbreak investigation involving Taco Bell lettuce | July 2026 | Foodborne illness outbreak investigation | Ongoing | FDA | FDA advised consumers not to eat shredded iceberg lettuce from Mexico served at Taco Bell locations in the five affected states. |
Potential Compensation
Potential compensation may include emergency care, hospitalization, diagnostic testing, stool studies, blood work, CT scans, colonoscopy, prescription medication, follow-up appointments, and future medical expenses.
Additional damages may include pain and suffering, dehydration, prolonged gastrointestinal illness, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, travel expenses, caregiver costs, and out-of-pocket expenses. Severe cases may involve recurring symptoms, extended recovery, or complications requiring additional medical care.
Compensation amounts vary by case. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
Legal Process Overview
Step 1: Free case review. The review begins with where and when the person ate Taco Bell, which menu items were ordered, whether shredded lettuce was consumed, and when symptoms began. Medical records, lab results, receipts, app orders, bank statements, and location history may help establish exposure.
Step 2: Investigation. The investigation may examine Taco Bell purchase records, outbreak geography, illness timing, stool testing, hospital records, FDA and CDC updates, traceback findings, and supplier information. Attorneys may also review whether the illness pattern matches the outbreak’s reported onset dates and affected locations.
Step 3: Filing the claim. A supported claim may allege negligence, strict product liability, breach of warranty, failure to warn, or other food-safety theories. Filing requirements and limitation periods depend on the state, defendants, and date of illness.
Step 4: Discovery and negotiation. The parties may exchange supplier contracts, traceback records, distribution documents, sanitation records, testing information, complaint data, medical records, expert opinions, and witness testimony. Negotiations may focus on exposure proof, diagnostic confirmation, illness severity, hospitalization, lost income, and continuing symptoms.
Step 5: Resolution. A case may resolve through settlement, dismissal, court ruling, or trial. The outcome depends on causation evidence, medical documentation, damages, available defendants, insurance, and applicable defenses.
Frequently Asked Questions About Taco Bell Cyclospora Lawsuits
What is the Taco Bell Cyclospora outbreak?
The outbreak is a multistate cyclosporiasis investigation linked to shredded iceberg lettuce from Mexico served at Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia. FDA says the investigation is ongoing and additional implicated brands, restaurants, retailers, or distribution channels may be identified.
What Taco Bell ingredient is linked to the Cyclospora outbreak?
FDA has linked the outbreak investigation to shredded iceberg lettuce from Mexico served at Taco Bell locations in five states. In an analysis of 190 Michigan cases reporting Taco Bell exposure, 90% of those interviewed reported eating iceberg lettuce.
Which states are affected by the Taco Bell Cyclospora outbreak?
The FDA advisory identifies Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia. Not every Taco Bell location in those states received implicated product, so exposure evidence should be evaluated based on the specific restaurant, date, and order.
Who supplied the lettuce linked to Taco Bell Cyclospora illnesses?
FDA has said traceback evidence converged on a single supplier of iceberg lettuce from Mexico but did not name the supplier in its advisory. Reuters reported that the supplier was Taylor Farms, citing a Washington Post report.
Has a Taco Bell Cyclospora lawsuit been filed?
Yes. A complaint filed electronically in Mahoning County Court of Common Pleas in Ohio names David Ott as plaintiff and Taco Bell Corp., Taylor Fresh Foods Inc. dba Taylor Farms, and Charter Foods Inc. dba Taco Bell #027999 as defendants. The complaint alleges that Mr. Ott developed cyclosporiasis after eating Taco Bell food in Youngstown, Ohio, in June 2026.
What symptoms are associated with Cyclospora infection?
Common symptoms include diarrhea, stomach cramps, bloating, gas, nausea, fatigue, loss of appetite, and weight loss. Vomiting, body aches, headache, and fever may also occur, and symptoms can improve and then return.
Can I file a Taco Bell Cyclospora lawsuit if I was hospitalized?
Possibly. Hospitalization, diagnostic testing, confirmed Cyclospora infection, Taco Bell exposure, and documented damages may support an individual legal review. Eligibility depends on the evidence and applicable state law.
What evidence should I save for a Taco Bell Cyclospora lawsuit?
Save Taco Bell receipts, app orders, bank records, location history, photos, medical records, stool test results, discharge papers, prescription records, work-loss records, and witness information. If no receipt is available, other evidence may still help document exposure.
References
- David Ott v. Taco Bell Corp., Taylor Fresh Foods Inc. dba Taylor Farms, and Charter Foods Inc. dba Taco Bell #027999, Complaint, Mahoning County Court of Common Pleas, filed July 17, 2026.
- Mahoning County electronic filing confirmation, Filing ID 1413798, Civil, Complaint Filed Electronically, received July 17, 2026.
- https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/investigation-5-state-outbreak-cyclospora-illnesses-iceberg-lettuce-july-2026
- https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/taco-bell-lettuce-supplied-by-taylor-farms-linked-us-cyclosporiasis-outbreak-2026-07-16/
- https://www.cdc.gov/orr/responses/multistate-cyclospora-outbreak.html
- https://www.fda.gov/food/foodborne-pathogens/cyclospora