Lettuce Likely Culprit in Taco Bell E. coli Outbreak
December 2006
Lettuce was the most likely source of E. coli that sickened over 70 people who ate at Taco Bell restaurants according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This conclusion comes after testing failed to confirm green onions were the source of E. coli contamination that affected four states. However, FDA tests haven’t been able to confirm lettuce as the culprit.
Interviews with patients found that lettuce was the common link for a majority of the victims. Cheddar cheese and ground beef were also considered. Since Taco Bell's menu consists mostly of the same combination of ingredients, narrowing down the source has been difficult.
The FDA will conduct more tests to determine the source of contamination in the lettuce. There is also no evidence the Taco Bell outbreak is linked to the E. coli outbreak at the Taco John restaurants in Iowa and Minnesota.
Victim of Taco Bell E. coli? Contact Us Now For a Free Evaluation of Your Legal Case.
Call us toll-free at 1-866-943-3427 or get online legal help, and we'll give you a free evaluation of your claim.
Source: "Lettuce most likely source of Taco Bell E. coli, feds say." The Associated Press. December 13, 2006.
Please note: All of our lawyers are licensed to practice in the state of Pennsylvania. We also have lawyers licensed to practice in Ohio, and West Virginia and we associate with experienced attorneys in other states. In addition, all food-borne illness and drug-related litigation involves co-counsel.
