Los Amigos Taqueria: Closed due to Possible Link to Salmonella Outbreak
Los Amigos Taqueria, a popular taco chain in Brighton, Boston, has recently been closed due to a potential link to a Salmonella outbreak, after customers complained of becoming ill after purchasing food there.
As of right now, “over 33 locals” have been affected, and two people have sued Los Amigos Taqueria, with claims that after consuming food at the Brighton chain they contracted salmonella. Unfortunately, neither complaint reveals what items on the menu these customers ate. Health officials have not yet officially confirmed the number of illnesses, and continue to investigate the situation. And at the moment, two of the five Los Amigos Taquerias’ locations have been closed. One of the Los Amigos Taqueria salmonella attorneys representing a number of the victims, Ron Simon, stated: “We intend to push the investigation to find out what happened, and to make sure this never occurs again.“
Health and Sanitation Concerns
According to health officials, a recent health inspection of the West Roxbury location has prompted its closure as well. As to what health officials found there was, to say the least, unsettling. According to NBC10 Boston, health officials found rodent droppings not only on food and drink containers meant for customers, but also on “pineapple cans and a bag of pinto beans.” At the Brighton location, health inspectors observed “visible soils” and “a mold-like substance on the walls and ceilings of a walk-in unit” said Boston.com. Although Los Amigos has been contacted about this story, they have declined to comment on the current situation.
Those who were affected by the outbreak are predominantly located in the Greater Boston area. Health officials urge anyone who ate food at either the Brighton or the West Roxbury location between May 12 and May 18 to be on the lookout for signs of salmonella. The most common symptoms include stomach cramps, diarrhea, nausea, and/or a fever.
Although most cases of salmonella infection tend to resolve on their own, there are some cases in which this doesn’t happen. Health officials urge consumers to see a health provider or go to the emergency room if they are ill and are experiencing any of the following:
- Symptoms that last more than a few more days
- High fever (over 102 F) or bloody stools
- Dehydration with signs such as urinating less than usual, dark colored urine, or having a dry mouth or tongue
Salmonella (salmonellosis) is a bacterial infection caused by consuming contaminated food or drink. Salmonella lives in the intestines of both animals and humans, and is usually picked up through fecal matter. Symptoms typically last from a few days to approximately a week. Although some people experience symptoms for up to a few weeks, it is uncommon, and usually resolves itself fairly quickly. If needed, it is treated with antibiotics.
