Taco Bell sued over lettuce linked to 'explosive diarrhea' outbreak in US

Seven individuals have filed a lawsuit against the fast-food chain Taco Bell in Detroit, Michigan, seeking damages for illnesses allegedly caused by contaminated lettuce. The lawsuit claims the plaintiffs contracted "explosive diarrhea" after consuming food containing iceberg lettuce served at various Taco Bell restaurants.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have linked the outbreak of cyclosporiasis, an intestinal infection, to shredded iceberg lettuce. This contaminated lettuce was reportedly served at Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia.

According to the lawsuit, over seven thousand people across the country have been affected by the outbreak. Two of the plaintiffs, Connie Horton and Ryan McRae, described severe symptoms including prolonged vomiting and diarrhea, with Horton requiring hospitalization at Sinai Grace Hospital in Detroit after visiting Taco Bell on June 24 and June 26. McRae was hospitalized on July 10 after experiencing severe diarrhea, stomach cramps, headaches, vomiting, and appetite loss following consumption on June 19 and June 23.

Taylor Fresh Food, identified as the largest processor of salads and fresh-cut vegetables and a supplier of the lettuce, is also named in the suit. Taco Bell has announced the removal of the implicated lettuce from all its restaurants following the investigation.