Marler Clark, Inc., PS, a law firm specializing in foodborne illness cases, has filed three federal lawsuits—two in Indiana and one in Missouri—against Taylor Farms. The lawsuits were filed on behalf of two children and one adult woman, all of whom suffered hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a severe complication of E. coli O157:H7 infection.

In addition to the new cases, the firm amended five previously filed lawsuits to include Taylor Farms. These amendments relate to salads served at a high school in St. Louis, Missouri, which resulted in over 50 reported illnesses.

Unreported outbreak and government inaction
Despite evidence linking the outbreak to Taylor Farms’ romaine lettuce, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) failed to publicly disclose this connection. The investigation into the outbreak, which began in November 2024 and concluded in January 2025, identified 89 confirmed cases of E. coli across 15 states. Among the infected individuals, 36 were hospitalized, seven developed HUS, and one death was reported. All cases were genetically linked through whole-genome sequencing (WGS).

According to Bill Marler, managing attorney at Marler Clark, the outbreak was confirmed to have originated from romaine lettuce produced by Taylor Farms. However, due to staffing and policy changes within the Department of Health and Human Services, he claims the CDC and FDA failed to alert the public.

“With 20,000 HHS employees having been dismissed, investigating and reporting outbreaks no longer appears to be a priority. If the CDC and FDA can’t do their jobs, we will step up to inform and protect the public,” said Marler.

Outbreak details and traceback investigation
The outbreak spanned 15 states with major subclusters identified in Missouri (50 cases), Illinois (7), Indiana (8), and Ohio (8), among others. These cases were tied to events such as catered functions, restaurants, and schools, all involving consumption of salads containing romaine lettuce.

The traceback investigation focused on three separate traceback legs, covering 28 cases and five points of service (POS). Investigators identified four distribution centers, one broker, two processors, one grower, and one ranch—names redacted in public documents. The investigation determined that a single processor sourced romaine from one grower and ranch that supplied all five POS. Through analysis of supply chain records, four lots of romaine lettuce were implicated. Epidemiologic and traceback data confirmed romaine lettuce as the vehicle of the outbreak.

Despite these findings, the CDC and FDA closed the investigation on January 15, 2025, without publicly naming Taylor Farms as the source.

“Had federal agencies been allowed to do their jobs, they would have publicized what we’ve now confirmed: Taylor Farms romaine lettuce caused this outbreak,” said Marler.

With no public warning issued about the source of the outbreak, Marler Clark has taken legal action to hold those responsible accountable.

For more information:
Julie Dueck
Marler Clark Attorneys
Tel: +1 206 930 4220
Email: [email protected]
www.billmarler.com