Lawsuit Filed Against Taco Bell, Taylor Farms in Cyclospora Outbreak

Why it matters locally: Texas, with its significant agricultural industry, particularly in fresh produce, could see heightened scrutiny of food safety protocols and supply chain management within the state as a result of this national lawsuit and cyclospora outbreak.

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio — A national food safety law firm, Ron Simon & Associates, has filed a lawsuit against Taco Bell and Taylor Farms. The complaint, filed in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court, alleges negligence resulting from a cyclospora outbreak in 2026. David Ott, an army veteran, is the plaintiff in the case. Mr. Ott reportedly consumed a Taco Bell food item containing tainted basil and subsequently experienced a cyclospora infection, requiring hospitalization. The lawsuit asserts that Taco Bell and Taylor Farms either knew or should have known about the presence of cyclospora in their products. The filing claims both companies failed to implement adequate food safety measures. Ron Simon & Associates, collaborating with DiCello Levitt & Casey LLC, represents Mr. Ott. The law firms indicate this lawsuit is the first in connection with what they describe as a cyclospora outbreak affecting individuals in Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan, and other states. They anticipate additional lawsuits will follow. The cyclospora outbreak in question has reportedly sickened 135 people across 16 states. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration have publicly identified Taylor Farms as the supplier of the contaminated basil linked to the outbreak.