/PRNewswire/ - OFT Food Safety and Injury Lawyers have initiated the first lawsuit against Taylor Farms related to the multistate Cyclospora outbreak associated with Mexican-grown lettuce provided at Taco Bell. The named defendants include Taylor Fresh Foods, Inc., Taco Bell Corp, and Taco Bell of North America, LLC. This case was filed in the Eastern District of Michigan under Civil Case No. 2:26-cv-12448-MFL-KGA. The Complaint document can be obtained upon request.

The plaintiffs consist of a married couple from Michigan. They dined at a Taco Bell location in Durand, Michigan on June 30, 2026, and were served lettuce described in the Complaint as heavily contaminated with fecal matter carrying the Cyclospora parasite. Both individuals developed serious cyclosporiasis infections.

The plaintiffs claim involvement in a broader Cyclospora outbreak. Health authorities have confirmed that by July 16, 2026, five states including Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia reported 1,644 cases of Cyclospora infection linked to Taco Bell exposure. Illness onset dates spanned from May 13, 2026, to July 13, 2026. Hospitalizations reached 94, with no fatalities noted.

OFT Food Safety Lawyer Ryan Osterholm highlights that the outbreak scale indicates significant food safety issues. "This appears to be more than a small-scale contamination incident," Osterholm stated. "Instead, it represents a substantial food safety failure allowing large quantities of produce tainted with fecal matter to enter the American food supply."

Osterholm notes his clients seek explanations to prevent similar future events. "My client suffered greatly and seeks clarity. Taylor Farms and Taco Bell are major food entities aware of the elevated Cyclospora risk from Mexican produce in summer months. Given this knowledge, what measures were implemented for prevention? We intend to uncover those details."

Osterholm along with his firm OFT Food Safety and Injury Lawyers have advocated for numerous individuals affected by Cyclospora, such as those in the 2018 Del Monte Fresh outbreak connected to veggie trays, the 2018 McDonald's salads outbreak, and the 2020 Fresh Express bagged salads incident.

With extensive experience, the attorneys at OFT Food Safety and Injury Lawyers have secured millions in recoveries for foodborne illness victims. Those impacted by this outbreak may reach out to OFT Law for a complimentary consultation. Call or text 888-828-7087 or email [email protected].

SOURCE OFT Law PLLC