Health authorities connected shredded lettuce served at Taco Bell locations across the US to the ongoing cyclosporiasis outbreak on July 16.

Lawsuits started appearing within hours of that announcement.

Four separate legal actions have been initiated in both state and federal courts amid the spread of cases involving the tiny parasite across various states. Taylor Farms, which supplies Taco Bell, announced a recall of its iceberg lettuce imported from Mexico last week.

The Food and Drug Administration indicated on Sunday that the tests associating Taylor Farms with the outbreak might represent a false positive. The agency noted there are no verified positive findings for cyclospora.

The Legal Actions Over Cyclospora

Individuals from Ohio and Michigan, the states most severely impacted by the outbreak, initiated the court proceedings.

An Ohio resident brought the initial complaint against Pacific Bells, a major Taco Bell franchise operator, in federal court on July 16. According to the filing, the individual consumed two meals at a North Olmsted Taco Bell on June 14 and another on June 21, falling ill approximately one week afterward.

The complaint details that the man experienced diarrhea and vomiting starting June 24. He sought medical care on July 3, and after a stool test, was diagnosed with cyclosporiasis.

Beyond the symptoms, the man's condition led to missing two weeks of work and resulting lost wages, the complaint states.

On July 17, an Ohio woman filed a second lawsuit concerning the cyclosporiasis outbreak. Her complaint targeted Taco Bell America along with suppliers Taylor Farms California and Taylor Fresh Foods. She reported eating at Taco Bell on June 3, June 15, and June 24.

"As a direct and proximate result of her Cyclospora infection, Plaintiff suffered physical illness, pain, and suffering, a diminished working capacity, and other injuries. Plaintiff's recovery is ongoing," the lawsuit stated.

Both plaintiffs are represented by Marler Clark, experts in food safety litigation, and Alexander Darr from Darr Law.

A Michigan couple filed the third lawsuit on July 17. Represented by OFT Law Food Safety & Injury Lawyers, they named Taco Bell Corp, Taco Bell America, and Taylor Fresh Foods as defendants.

The filing indicates the pair became ill after consuming shredded iceberg lettuce at a Taco Bell in Durand, Michigan, on June 30.

"Plaintiffs were forced to endure great pain, suffering, and inconvenience and may endure the same in the future," the lawsuit said.

A fourth lawsuit, filed the same day against Taylor Fresh Foods and Charter Foods, another Taco Bell franchise, involved a man who bought food on June 18 and June 20 from a Youngstown Taco Bell and became ill shortly after.

He is represented by Ron Simon & Associates, another firm focused on food safety.

Recalls and Company Responses

Taco Bell Corp. stated it had removed the implicated Taylor Farms lettuce from its outlets.

"Based on ongoing conversations with public health officials, and out of an abundance of caution, Taco Bell worked swiftly to voluntarily remove the product from restaurants and the affected ingredient has been removed from our supply chain nationwide," the company said.

Taco Bell Corp. emphasized that protecting public health is a collective effort involving restaurants, suppliers, and officials, noting their proactive measures.

Taylor Farms announced last week it was voluntarily withdrawing all iceberg lettuce sourced from Mexico from the US market.

Cyclosporiasis, transmitted via tainted food and water, leads to symptoms including diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal pain. The CDC has reported 1,645 confirmed cases in the US since May 1, with awareness of over 5,100 additional cases requiring review. The outbreak has affected 34 states to date.