Casa Lopez Salmonella Outbreak Lawsuits - Ohio (2010)
In May of 2010, the Athens City County Health Department (ACCHD) began investigating what appeared to be a foodborne illness outbreak among patrons of the Casa Lopez restaurant in Athens, Ohio. Public health investigators identified a total of 41 culture-confirmed cases of Salmonella serotype Enteritidis. An additional 14 case-patients who were not laboratory confirmed but were epidemiologically linked to the Casa Lopez restaurant were classified as either “probable” or “suspected” cases.
The investigation into the Salmonella outbreak among Casa Lopez customers revealed several critical violations at the restaurant over multiple inspections. Investigators concluded that there was a strong association between eating chiles rellenos and Salmonella infection.
Marler Clark represented 8 clients who became ill with Salmonella infections after eating at the restaurant in claims against Casa Lopez. Seven cases have been resolved; one wrongful death Salmonella case is pending.