Our Michigan food poisoning lawyers are investigating cases to file lawsuits against QDOBA Mexican Eats for Salmonella poisoning linked to contaminated jalapeño peppers.
The Buckfire Law Firm specializes in food poisoning lawsuits and has represented victims in other restaurant food poisoning outbreaks, such as the McDonald’s contaminated Quarter Pounder hamburger E. coli outbreak in 2024 and the recent Taco Bell cyclosporia outbreak in 2026.
The FDA has issued a recall for jalapeño peppers grown in Sinaloa, Mexico, distributed by Coast Citrus Distributors. They are currently working to determine if jalapeños went to grocery stores.
There are currently 345 people infected in this outbreak across 27 states, including Michigan. There have been 36 hospitalizations and zero deaths reported. Illnesses started on dates ranging from June 19, 2026, to July 20, 2026.
- What is Salmonella and What are The Symptoms?
- How Do I File a Lawsuit Against QDOBA for the Salmonella Outbreak?
- How Much are QDOBA Salmonella Settlements?
- Contact the Best QDOBA Salmonella Food Poisoning Lawyers
About QDOBA Mexican Eats
QDOBA is a chain of fast-casual restaurants in the United States and Canada serving Mexican-style food. There are about 750 locations across North America. QDOBA has had a few incidents over the past 20 years, most recently food contamination in 2020 in their Glenwood Springs, Colorado location, and a violation of child labor laws in Massachusetts in 2019.
QDOBA in Michigan
QDOBA has 73 locations across Michigan, including Ann Arbor, Battle Creek, Canton, Detroit, Flint, Grand Rapids, Holland, Kalamazoo, Lansing, Livonia, Monroe, Mt Pleasant, Novi, Roseville, Saginaw, Southfield, Taylor, Troy, Warren, and Westland.
What is Salmonella and What are The Symptoms?
Salmonella is a bacterial disease that affects the intestinal tract. Salmonella bacteria typically live in animal and human intestines and are shed through feces. Humans become infected with Salmonella through contaminated food or water.
Some people with Salmonella infections have no symptoms, but most people will experience diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramping within 12-72 hours after exposure.
Symptoms include:
- Diarrhea
- Stomach cramps
- Fever
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Chills
- Headache
- Blood in feces
Signs and symptoms of salmonella generally last a few days to one week. Diarrhea may last up to 10 days. In some cases, diarrhea can cause severe dehydration requiring medical attention. Life-threatening complications may also develop if the infection spreads beyond the intestines.
Causes of Salmonella Food Poisoning
Salmonella bacteria live in the intestines of humans and animals. Most people who develop salmonella have consumed contaminated water or food, which include:
- Raw meat, poultry, and seafood. Contamination may occur during butchering, or seafood may be harvested from contaminated waters.
- Raw or undercooked eggs. Contamination may happen when an infected chicken is producing eggs, or raw eggs are used in certain recipes like hollandaise.
- Unpasteurized dairy products, such as raw milk.
- Fruits and vegetables. Some fresh produce may be irrigated in a field or washed with contaminated water.
- Improperly handled food, such as when someone doesn’t wash their hands thoroughly after using the bathroom or changing a diaper.
Salmonella Prevention
There are several ways to prevent salmonella contamination, including:
- Wash your hands thoroughly after using the bathroom, changing a diaper, or preparing food.
- Store items separately in your fridge, and keep meats away from other foods.
- Wash food preparation surfaces thoroughly with soap and water.
- Avoid raw eggs and raw dairy products.
- Cook and store food properly.
How Do I File a Lawsuit Against QDOBA for the Salmonella Outbreak?
You may be able to file a lawsuit against QDOBA if you were diagnosed with Salmonella food poisoning after eating at the restaurant. Lawsuits against QDOBA are expected to be filed by individuals and families affected by the Salmonella outbreak. The lawsuits will allege that customers suffered serious symptoms and medical conditions after eating at QDOBA.
The plaintiffs are required by law to prove that their injuries and illnesses were caused by contaminated food served to them at QDOBA. As more public health investigations are completed, the source of the food poisoning will likely be determined. This may provide a basis for the settlements and compensation demanded in these QDOBA Salmonella lawsuits.
Can I Sue QDOBA for Salmonella Poisoning?
The Buckfire Law Firm is currently investigating potential lawsuits and claims related to the food poisoning outbreak. If the restaurant or a supplier is identified as the most probable source of the Salmonella outbreak, victims will have the right to sue for compensation. These cases can result in significant settlements and monetary compensation.
You can likely sue QDOBA if you were diagnosed with Salmonella poisoning after eating a contaminated product. It is helpful if you have the actual receipt or a credit card, or a debit card statement showing the date you ate at QDOBA. You will also need a formal diagnosis of Salmonella poisoning from a hospital or lab.
How Much are QDOBA Salmonella Settlements?
The QDOBA food poisoning claims are still in their early stages. At this time, there are no reported QDOBA food poisoning settlements, and we will provide updates if claims are settled and the amounts are published.
Generally, food poisoning settlements involve money payment for pain and suffering, mental anguish, and the physical injuries caused by food contamination. In addition, claims for economic losses and damages are also demanded in a food poisoning lawsuit. These are financial losses and include payment of medical bills and expenses, as well as lost wages and income resulting from missed time at work.
Salmonella Lawsuit Settlement Example
In 2023, the Quaker Oats Company recalled dozens of granola bars and cereals due to potential Salmonella contamination. Consumers later filed lawsuits alleging the company failed to prevent contamination at its Illinois facility. The case was resolved through a $6.75 million settlement, compensating those who purchased the recalled products.
Contact the Best QDOBA Salmonella Food Poisoning Lawyers
Call Buckfire Law now to start your claim. We are the top-rated food poisoning lawyers with a strong history of successful settlements.
We charge no legal fees unless you win a settlement. And it costs no money to start your case.
Legally reviewed by:
Lawrence J. Buckfire, J.D., Lead Trial Attorney at Buckfire Law
Lawrence J. Buckfire, J.D. has over 30 years of experience specializing in personal injury and wrongful death cases. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan and attended Wayne State University School of Law. Lawrence has been named a Super Lawyer, U.S. News Best Lawyer, and in The National Trial Lawyers-Top 100 Trial Lawyers.
Date of Review: Aug., 2026
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