Published by You may be entitled to compensation by filing a Taco Bell lawsuit and we can help. Please click the button below for a Free Confidential Case Evaluation or call us toll-free 24 hrs/day by dialing (866) 588-0600.
While no recent cases of food poisoning have been reported at Taco Bell, past incidents highlight the importance of staying informed about food safety.
In October 2019, Taco Bell recalled seasoned beef from restaurants in Michigan, Ohio, and Kentucky over quality concerns, though no illnesses were linked to this recall.
However, Taco Bell has been involved in several major food poisoning outbreaks, including salmonella and E. coli.
In this article, we’ll cover Taco Bell’s past food poisoning outbreaks, legal implications, and what you should know about your rights if you’re affected.
Table Of Contents
- Quick Summary:
- Taco Bell Recalls Beef from Restaurants in 3 States Over Quality Concerns
- Taco Bell Salmonella Outbreak 2011
- First Lawsuit Filed in Taco Bell Salmonella Outbreak
- Taco Bell Recall Timeline
- Latest Updates on Taco Bell Food Poisoning Cases
- FAQs
- Do I Have a Taco Bell Food Poisoning Lawsuit?
Quick Summary:
- Taco Bell has faced multiple food poisoning lawsuits due to contaminated ingredients, including E. coli and salmonella outbreaks.
- Symptoms of food poisoning from Taco Bell may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and severe abdominal cramps.
- Victims of Taco Bell foodborne illnesses may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Taco Bell Recalls Beef from Restaurants in 3 States Over Quality Concerns
According to FOX 8 Cleveland, on October 14, 2019 – Taco Bell has issued a recall for seasoned beef over quality concerns at restaurants in Michigan, Ohio, and Kentucky [1].
A spokesperson for the company said the recalled beef did not meet quality standards. It is still unclear how many locations are affected by the recall, as officials have not announced which stores have pulled the seasoned meat.
Taco Bell Salmonella Outbreak 2011
Taco Bell was identified as the source of a salmonella outbreak that sickened nearly 70 people in Texas and 9 other states in 2011.
Previously, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) had only referred to the source of potential contamination as ‘Restaurant Chain A.’ Making matters worse, the outbreak came just a year after another cluster of salmonella infections were linked to Taco Bell restaurants.
The Oklahoma State Department of Health revealed the source of contamination. In response to why the CDC refused to release the information earlier, a spokesperson for the department said that naming the eateries tied to the outbreak would not have had any public health benefit.
By the time we posted information about this outbreak, it was over,” the spokesperson told ABC News. “If it was over, there would have been no public need to disclose it.
Taco Bell replied by stressing its commitment to the safety and quality of its products but also stated that the CDC failed to identify the chain as the source of the outbreak. Instead, the agency “indicated that some people who were ill ate at Taco Bell, while others did not.”
Most of the salmonella infections (43) occurred in Texas, while other cases were reported in Oklahoma, Kansas, Iowa, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, Ohio, and Tennessee.
Taco Bell has been linked to at least 2 other recent major food poisoning outbreaks in recent years.
In 2006, contaminated lettuce served at Taco Bell restaurants in the Northeast was found to be the primary source of a dangerous E. coli outbreak that sickened 71 people. In 2010, Taco Bell was found to be the cause of a salmonella outbreak that sickened 155 people in 21 states.
Salmonella Symptoms
Most people infected with Salmonella develop symptoms including diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps 12–72 hours after infection, usually diagnosed by stool sample analysis.
The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days, although more serious illnesses can develop, especially in the young, elderly, and immune-compromised. Anyone who is experiencing these symptoms should talk to their doctor.
First Lawsuit Filed in Taco Bell Salmonella Outbreak
August 11, 2010 – The first lawsuit filed in a pair of salmonella outbreaks that sickened at least 155 people in 21 states was filed against Yum! Brands (the parent company of Taco Bell) in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, Franklin County Circuit Court.
Jo Ann Smith, the plaintiff in the first case, filed her claim in Franklin County Circuit Court in Kentucky. Smith claims she bought food from a Taco Bell in Frankfort, Kentucky, on May 24, 2010, and woke up ill on May 26.
Over the next several days, Smith’s condition worsened until she required emergency hospitalization for symptoms of salmonella infection.
The outbreak is believed to have started around April 30 and probably ended about July 19. CDC said at least 2 strains of salmonella were reported in people who ate at Taco Bell during that period, but they have been unable to identify which products were contaminated.
Investigators were able to track the outbreak because the 2 strains, Salmonella Hartford and Salmonella Baildon, are rarely seen in the U.S.
Taco Bell Recall Timeline
2000 – Taco Bell Hepatitis A Outbreak – Florida
In December 2000, the Lake County Health Department in Florida learned of at least 7 hepatitis A cases, 5 of which required hospitalization, in Lake and Sumter Counties over 2 weeks. Health officials traced the cluster of illnesses to a Taco Bell restaurant in Fruitland Park, Florida.
2006 – Taco Bell E. coli Lettuce Outbreak – Northeastern U.S.
This outbreak was associated with at least 71 E. coli infections in people who reported eating at Taco Bell restaurants in the following 5 states: New Jersey (33), New York (22), Pennsylvania (13), Delaware (2), and South Carolina (1). CDC testing later revealed the source of the outbreak to be contaminated lettuce.
2010/2011 Taco Bell Salmonella Outbreak
Over 150 people from 15 states were diagnosed with salmonella food poisoning, or salmonellosis, marking the third Taco Bell outbreak in 10 years. Illness onset dates were from April 30, 2010, to July 18, 2010.
Latest Updates on Taco Bell Food Poisoning Cases
Recent Taco Bell food poisoning cases have raised serious concerns. As of 2023, over 150 people across 21 states have been affected by salmonella outbreaks linked to Taco Bell, with lettuce and tomatoes being the suspected sources.
A notable lawsuit in Kentucky involves Jo Ann Smith, who was hospitalized with salmonella poisoning after eating at a Taco Bell.
Additionally, a Colorado man claimed to have ingested rat poison in Taco Bell food, leading to an investigation. In Washington State, health officials issued warnings after an employee tested positive for hepatitis A. These incidents highlight ongoing food safety issues at the fast-food chain.
FAQs
What should I do if my food poisoning claim against Taco Bell is denied?
If your claim is denied, consult with an attorney to explore further legal action. An attorney can help challenge the denial and pursue compensation.
Can I seek compensation for emotional distress caused by food poisoning from Taco Bell?
Yes, you can seek compensation for emotional distress if the food poisoning caused significant mental anguish or trauma, in addition to physical illness.
Can I sue if I got food poisoning from a different Taco Bell location?
Yes, you can sue regardless of the specific Taco Bell location, as long as you can prove that their food caused your illness.
How can I prove that my illness was caused by Taco Bell?
To prove your illness was caused by Taco Bell, you should document your symptoms, seek medical attention, and retain any medical records. Additionally, keeping a record of where and when you ate at Taco Bell can help establish a timeline.
What legal rights do I have if I get food poisoning from Taco Bell?
If you get food poisoning from Taco Bell, you may have the right to file a lawsuit for damages. This can include compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Consulting with a food poisoning lawyer can help clarify your options.
Has Taco Bell faced food poisoning lawsuits in the past?
Yes, Taco Bell has faced food poisoning lawsuits in the past. Notable cases include outbreaks linked to E. coli and salmonella that have affected hundreds of individuals.
Related Articles:
See the other food poisoning lawsuits our attorneys have covered.
Do I Have a Taco Bell Food Poisoning Lawsuit?
The Food Poisoning Litigation Group at Schmidt & Clark, LLP law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in Taco Bell lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new injury and death cases in all 50 states.
Again, if you or a loved one got sick after eating at Taco Bell, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a suit and we can help.
References:
- https://www.daytondailynews.com/news/national/taco-bell-recalls-beef-some-locations-for-quality-concerns/zisFxuGzxT1QqvtzLA0w2M
To contact us for a free review of your potential case, please fill out the form below or call us toll free 24 hrs/day by dialing: