On September 2, 2022, Anthony Sanchez and Emily Banda were wedded at Lost Mission in Comal County, Texas. Lost Mission provided the food for the reception which consisted of (among other things) chicken piccata, angel hair pasta, Caesar salad, green beans almondine, and cake. At least 300 guests are believed to have attended the wedding, and at least 60 reported becoming ill.
Within hours, many of the guests were suffering form nausea, diarrhea, some experienced vomiting, abdominal cramping, and headaches. While many of the guests simply pushed through and moved on, a number were forced to seek medical attention, including at least 10 who presented at the Emergency Department (ER). Among those who sought medical attention, a few of the physicians ordered stool cultures or a gastrointestinal panels. At least two victims were hospitalized, with one suffering from inflammation of the cardiac lining. She remained in the hospital 2 weeks after the wedding.
After several guests tested positive for the identical strain of Salmonella Saintpaul, one of over 2000 strains of salmonella and relatively rare, the Bexar, Midland, and Comal County Health Departments stepped in to investigate. On September 15, 2022, the matter was referred to the Texas Department of State Health Services (“TDSHS”). TDSHS stated in an email, on September 15th:
We wanted to notify you that Midland County (PHR 9/10) and Comal County (PHR 8) have been tracking and working a salmonella outbreak linked to a wedding held on 9/2/22. The wedding was at Lost Mission, 2101 Anhalt Rd., Spring Branch, TX, Comal County, 78070. The venue was reported to have provided the food for the reception which consisted of chicken piccata, angel hair pasta, and green beans almondine. I am unsure what next steps Comal County has planned for the venue/food service provider.
It has been reported that 200 guests attended the wedding from all over the state with about 60 attendees reporting symptoms. Comal and Midland LHDs have been working with the bride and groom in obtaining contact information for symptomatic guests. Ill contacts have been identified in all PHRs for the exception of 4/5N. We have shared contact information with the rest of the PHRs and their lead epis are also aware of the cases associated with this event belonging to their respective jurisdiction.
The outbreak name created in NEDSS is Salmonella/0922/Comal/01.
TDSHS determined that the likely cause of the outbreak was improper preparation of the food by Defendant Lost Mission. TDSHS then identified the outbreak in the National Outbreak Reporting System as Salmonella/0922/Comal/01.
While the investigation was ongoing, the bride contacted Lost Mission, who responded stating:
This is the first time we have ever dealt with a situation like this, so i apologize for the delay in getting back to you. Can you please send us a list of guests who are ill and any related documentation?
It was signed “Sara, Lost Mission”
On August 24, 2023, victims in the Lost Mission Salmonella outbreak filed a lawsuit against Lost Mission Investments, LLC, alleging causes of action in strict products liability, negligence, negligence per se, and implied warranty of fitness for particular purpose. The laws suit was brought on behalf of Anthony Sanchez, a wedding attendee. The national food poisoning law firm of Ron Simon & Associates file the Lost Mission Salmonella lawsuit.
Lost Mission has filed an answer, and stated that it:
“denies each and every, singular and all, of the allegations contained in Plaintiff’s Original Petition, and avers the allegations contained therein are not true, either in whole or in part, and demands strict proof thereof.”
According to Mr. Sanchez’s attorney, the litigation is now entering the discovery phase.
