Full Breakdown
Texas Woman Sues Torchy’s Tacos Over Cow Tooth Found in Taco
By Drooid · · How we work
Incident Overview
Nohemi Castillo purchased a “Democrat” taco—a beef barbacoa item—from Torchy’s Tacos in Austin and discovered a cow’s tooth embedded in the food. Castillo described herself as “grossed out and sickened,” and she sought medical attention that evening. The tooth, slick with a brown liquid, was photographed and attached to the lawsuit.
Legal Claims
Castillo filed a lawsuit on October 13, alleging negligence, breach of implied warranties, and violations of the Deceptive Trade Practices Act and the Food Safety Modernization Act. The complaint seeks $250,000 in damages.
Company Response
The spokesperson acknowledged the object as a cow tooth, describing such occurrences as “quite rare” and stating that the company has partnered with the supplier to reinforce internal procedures to prevent future incidents.
Timeline
- June 9 – Castillo’s doctor prescribed medication after she discovered the tooth.
- October 13 – Castillo filed the lawsuit against Torchy’s Tacos.
Verbatim Quote
“Should not have even made it to the packaging or the packaged goods that they had.” — Scott Vasquez, Castillo’s lawyer
The lawsuit and the company’s response highlight the rare but serious nature of foreign-object contamination in prepared foods and the legal recourse a consumer may pursue when such an incident occurs.