Brownsville restaurant closed after customers become ill
By Food Poisoning Lawyer Tony Coveny, Ph.D.
El Rey de Taco, located on Alton Gloor Road in Brownsville, Texas, has been closed by health officials after several customers complained that they were suffering from food poisoning symptoms. Cameron County Health officials indicated that 25 to 30 people became ill, with most going to the hospital because of the severity of their symptoms.
The El Rey de Taco outbreak will likely result in a series of El Rey de Taco food poisoning lawsuits or claims.
Restaurant customers complained of nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea after they ate food served on Wednesday, January 30. Serious gastrointestinal symptoms are typical of most food poisoning cases, including those in which food has been contaminated with bacteria such as e. coli or salmonella.
While the exact cause of the El Rey de Taco illnesses has not yet been determined, health issues in restaurants often stem from improper food handling procedures or from illnesses spread by restaurant employees. “The role of cross contamination in an outbreak of the intensity of that at El Rey de Taco is often the basis of a number of food poisoning lawsuits,” says Food Poisoning Lawyer Ron Simon.
Cleanliness is a major factor in food safety, in restaurants and at home. Be aware of issues such as raw meat being prepared on the same surface as fruits and vegetables, without proper cleaning in between. Employees’ hands should also remain clean, before and after touching food in the preparation area, after visiting the restroom, and before serving food.
Cameron County Health officials are working with medical personnel from the hospital and local private healthcare providers to investigate the situation at El Rey de Taco and determine the cause of the customers’ illnesses. They expect the numbers to increase as more customers report becoming sick from the restaurant food.
For more information about food safety, food poisoning, or to speak to a food poisoning lawyer.
