Colorado woman files lawsuit against Burrito Delight

A Colorado woman has filed a lawsuit against Burrito Delight, a Colorado restaurant that has closed its two locations as health officials investigate a Salmonella outbreak.

Dawn Malek, the only Broomfield resident affected by the outbreak, reportedly ate a taco containing ground beef, beans, salsa, sauce, sour cream and lettuce at Burrito Delight’s Fort Lupton store on Feb. 18. Several days later, she began experiencing diarrhea and fatigue, which became so severe that she sought medical help.

The lawsuit states that Malek’s symptoms began to fade after a week, but she has continued to suffer from “significant abdominal discomfort” and other symptoms. The extended recovery has made it difficult for Malek — who is seeking employment — to interview for jobs, leading to additional economic injury.

The Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment reported 37 confirmed cases of Salmonella it believes is linked to food made by Burrito Delight, which has locations in Fort Lupton and Dacono. Department investigators deemed the outbreak over on March 9, after five days had passed without any new illnesses being reported.

Colorado woman files suit:
Outbreak began in February

This Colorado Salmonella outbreak first made headlines Feb. 22, when 10 cases were confirmed. At that time, the Salmonella illnesses were linked to food served by Burrito Delight at its Fort Lupton location and two outside events. The events were held Feb. 9 and Feb. 13 at Aims Community College in Fort Lupton.

Carrie Hanley, the Weld County director of community health services, proved prescient when the outbreak was first announced. She warned area residents that it had “the potential to be a large outbreak.”

A Colorado woman has filed a lawsuit against Burrito Delight, a Colorado restaurant that has closed its two locations as health officials investigate a Salmonella outbreak.

Colorado woman files suit:
Burrito Delight violations

Burrito Delight has had numerous problems passing health department inspections in the past few years. Its Fort Lupton location has been assessed 22 “red violations” during five health inspections conducted since late 2015. The Dacono location was hit with 20 red violations during the same time period.

According to the Department of Public Health and Environment, red violations are those “more likely than other violations to contribute to food contamination or illness.” Department officials rated both Burrito Delight locations as merely “marginal” after the last inspections.

Debra Adamson, the Weld County director of environmental health services, said the Fort Lupton location was found with numerous violations when inspected on Feb. 21:

• A dead mouse was found on a trap behind a reach-in cooler.
• Food was stored at improper temperatures.
• Employees did not wash their hands. They also were seen drinking beverages next to unprepared food.

Both Burrito Delight locations remain closed. The health department said they will be allowed to reopen after meeting four conditions:

• Both sites must be completely disinfected.
• All staff must test negative for Salmonella. If that does not occur, new staff must be hired.
• Food must be replaced or deemed eligible to be released from embargo.
• The reopening inspection must comply with state regulations.

Colorado woman files suit:
Salmonella facts and figures

Salmonella infections are common in the U.S., according to statistics compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Salmonella bacteria annually sicken about 1 million Americans, with 19,000 victims needing to be hospitalized and 380 of them dying.

Salmonella produces salmonellosis, which usually presents within 12 to 36 hours after eating contaminated food. Symptoms usually last four to seven days, and most people recover on their own.

Symptoms can include:

• diarrhea, often bloody
• nausea and abdominal pain
• fever
• headache
• vomiting
• dehydration
• muscle aches.

People most at risk for complications are children younger than 5, pregnant women, senior citizens, and people with weakened immune systems. Pregnant women must be especially vigilant because their immune systems are suppressed due to hormonal changes. A pregnant woman who becomes ill from Salmonella can suffer a miscarriage, go into premature labor, or experience stillbirth.