Salmonella Outbreak: Broomfield Woman Sues Burrito Restaurant

BROOMFIELD, CO -- A Broomfield woman who sought medical treatment being diagnosed with Salmonella has sued a Weld County burrito restaurant chain linked to 37 confirmed cases of the foodbourne illness.

Dawn Malek reportedly ate a taco containing ground beef, beans, salsa, sauce, sour cream and lettuce at the Fort Lupton location of the Burrito Delight restaurant on Feb. 18. A few days later, she experienced symptoms of severe diarrhea and fatigue — which sent her to a doctor, where she was treated with antibiotics.

The Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment identified the restaurant chain as the source for the outbreak in February after more than 450 people ate food from the restaurant at two catered events at Aims Community Collegeand 17 became ill with confirmed Salmonella. The restaurant voluntarily closed both locations in Fort Lupton, at 1230 Denver Ave. and Dacono, at 819 Carbondale Dr. during the investigation.

A total of 37 confirmed cases have been found, causing four hospitalizations, the Weld County health department said.

“Several employees from the restaurant have tested positive for Salmonella,” said Mark E. Wallace, executive director of the Weld County Health Department. “But it remains unclear if they or a food source is the illness link. It may be a challenge to find the definitive answer.”

The state's department of health and environment contacted the Weld County Department after four or five Salmonella reports from customers at Burrito Delight earlier in the month. The health department inspected the Fort Lupton location Feb. 22 and rated the restaurant "fair." The restaurant had received a "marginal" rating in September, 2017 and had been re-inspected in October.

Inspectors Feb. 22 reported finding evidence of employees drinking during shifts with open cups, eggs stored in a manner that might cause cross contamination, refrigerated food temperature higher than 41 degrees and evidence of rodents or insects, according to the inspection report.

The company, Burrito Delight, LLC, has been registered as owned by Jose Lezama with the Colorado Secretary of State's office since 2007. Patch.com was unable to contact anyone at the restaurant for comment.

The lawsuit was filed March 12 in Weld County by Seattle-based law firm Marler Clark, which specializes in foodbourne illness lawsuits.

The suit says plaintiff Malek still suffered from abdominal cramps and discomfort and the symptoms of the disease were interfering with her ability to apply for employment.

The next scheduled court date for the suit is scheduled for May.

The Weld County health department published these symptoms of Salmonella:

Symptoms of Salmonella illness include diarrhea, upset stomach, fever, and occasionally vomiting. Symptoms typically last 4 to 7 days, and most people recover on their own. Anyone who continues to have symptoms should contact their health care provider. For some people, the diarrhea may become so severe that they require hospitalization. Symptoms typically appear 6-72 hours after eating contaminated food and will typically last for 4 to 7 days without treatment. However, in severe cases, the symptoms may last longer.

Related: Burrito Salmonella Outbreak Increases To 35 Cases: Weld Co.

Related: Salmonella Outbreak Sickens 21; Linked To Colorado Burrito Chain

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