On January 19, 2012 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced an investigation into a Salmonella Enteritidis outbreak that had sickened 68 people and hospitalized 21 in the following 10 states: Texas (43), Oklahoma (16), Kansas (2), Iowa (1), Michigan (1), Missouri (1), Nebraska (1), New Mexico (1), Ohio (1), and Tennessee (1).
The CDC would only say that a Mexican-style fast food restaurant chain, referred to only as “Restaurant A” was the source of the outbreak. In the days and weeks that followed the announcement the CDC never named the company and defended its decision statig that the contaminated food was no longer in circulation and, thus was no longer a risk to consumers.
Taco Bell revealed as "Restaurant A in Salmonella Outbreak"
On February 1, 2012 Food Safety News published a story in which it learned from the Oklahoma State Department of Health that Taco Bell was "Restaurant A".
This is the second Salmonella outbreak linked to Taco Bell since 2010.
Salmonella Lawsuit Filed Against Taco Bell in Oklahoma
On February 21, 2012 Marler Clark filed a lawsuit against Taco Bell on behalf of an Oklahoma woman who became ill with a Salmonella infection after consuming food from Taco Bell. The firm filed a second Salmonella lawsuit against Taco Bell in April, 2012. Both plaintiffs' claims have been resolved.