Taylor Farms, Taco Bell Defend Against Cyclospora Lawsuits

• Taylor Farms and Taco Bell have retained two Am Law 100 law firms to defend against more than a dozen lawsuits over contaminated lettuce.
• The cyclospora outbreak has caused gastrointestinal illness in those infected, with 345 cases reported across 27 states.
• Attorneys are likely to focus on food safety protocols and recall procedures in the lawsuits against Taylor Farms and Taco Bell.
• The FDA's announcement of the Taylor Farms recall highlights the importance of swift and effective product recalls in preventing further outbreaks.

The cyclospora parasite, which can only be seen under a microscope, has caused gastrointestinal illness in those infected.

A cyclospora outbreak allegedly caused by shredded iceberg lettuce has led to more than a dozen lawsuits against Taylor Farms and Taco Bell. The outbreak, which affected several retailers, prompted a recall of Taylor Farms' products in July. The Food and Drug Administration announced on August 9 that Taylor Farms had recalled its salsa, guacamole, and other products containing jalapeno peppers sold at Trader Joe's and other retailers. This recall followed an outbreak of 345 cases of salmonella, with 36 hospitalizations, across 27 states. The salmonella infections were linked to a grower in Sinaloa, Mexico, and a supplier, Coast Citrus Distributors.

The cyclospora parasite, which can only be seen under a microscope, has caused gastrointestinal illness in those infected. Attorneys have begun filing lawsuits against Taylor Farms and Taco Bell over the contaminated lettuce.

Taylor Farms and Taco Bell have retained two Am Law 100 law firms to defend them against the lawsuits. P. Andrew McStay, a food contamination attorney at Davis Wright Tremaine in Portland, Oregon, is leading the defense for Taylor Farms. Michael W. McTigue Jr., a class action defense partner at Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom in New York, has been retained by Taco Bell. The lawsuits against Taylor Farms and Taco Bell are likely to focus on food safety protocols and recall procedures.

The FDA's announcement of the Taylor Farms recall highlights the importance of swift and effective product recalls in preventing further outbreaks. As the number of cyclospora cases continues to rise, lawyers defending Taylor Farms and Taco Bell will need to be prepared for increased scrutiny on their clients' food safety practices.

The cyclospora outbreak and subsequent lawsuits against Taylor Farms and Taco Bell have significant implications for the food industry. The cases highlight the importance of robust food safety protocols and effective recall procedures in preventing outbreaks. Lawyers defending their clients will need to be prepared to address these issues, as well as the potential for class action litigation.

The cyclospora parasite is a serious public health concern, and its presence in contaminated lettuce has caused significant harm to those infected. As the number of cases continues to rise, it is essential that food producers and retailers prioritize food safety and take swift action to prevent further outbreaks.

Lawyers defending Taylor Farms and Taco Bell against cyclospora outbreak lawsuits should be aware of the potential for increased scrutiny on food safety protocols and recall procedures, as well as the possibility of class action litigation.

Source: Original reporting via Law.com