Sixty-two of the laboratory-confirmed cases were found to be genetically indistinguishable – proving that all of the cases had a common source. An identical strain of E. coli O157:H7 was isolated from samples of raw chunky taco meat and sirloin tri-tips found at the Layton restaurant. This meat was manufactured by the Excel Corporation, and then remanufactured at the local Sizzler franchisee according to procedures defined by Sizzler USA.
The Wisconsin State Department of Health determined the outbreak’s source to be fresh watermelon that had been cross-contaminated with raw meat products. Sirloin tri-tips were the source of the E. coli bacteria, and the Department of Health concluded that employees at Sizzler restaurants may have contributed to the outbreak.
Marler Clark represented seventeen individuals in lawsuits against Sizzler USA, and Excel Corp., who supplied the contaminated tri-tips to Sizzler. The last of the cases were resolved in March, 2006.
PRESS RELEASES:Lawsuit Filed Against Sizzler on Behalf of Injured Milwaukee Man
A Second Lawsuit Filed Against Sizzler by Local Law firm
Same Meat Supplier Reportedly Implicated in 1993 and 2000 Sizzler Outbreaks
Another E. coli Lawsuit Filed Against Sizzler
Fifteenth E. coli Lawsuit Filed Against Sizzler
Sizzler E. coli Lawsuits Settled
Twenty E. coli Lawsuits Settled
You can read more about the Sizzler E. coli outbreak on the Marler Clark-sponsored site about E. coli.