A Texas woman claims her dining experience took an unusual turn when she reportedly found a cow tooth in her meal. This incident led to a lawsuit against Torchy’s Tacos, a well-known restaurant chain. The woman, Nohemi Castillo, alleges that she nearly swallowed the tooth while eating takeout from the chain’s South Congress Avenue location in Austin on June 9. Fox News Digital independently obtained details of the lawsuit filed on October 13 in Travis County District Court.
A close-up shows the cow tooth that Nohemi Castillo allegedly discovered in her Torchy’s Tacos meal. The restaurant confirmed the object was a cow tooth.
Castillo’s meal included the chain’s “Democrat” tacos, although a cow tooth was not among the listed ingredients. Torchy’s Tacos confirmed the finding to Austin TV station KVUE, stating its investigation identified the object as a cow tooth. The company explained that cow teeth can occasionally remain in the meat processing stage, though it is rare.
The restaurant also clarified that its barbacoa comes from natural beef cheek sourced from a supplier. Measures have since been taken to prevent similar incidents. “We have partnered with our supplier to reinforce their internal procedures to prevent this from happening in the future,” Torchy’s said.
According to Castillo’s attorney, Scott Vasquez, the company did not acknowledge the object was a cow tooth until the incident was spotlighted by local media in October, months after it occurred. Vasquez provided additional images of the tooth beside a tape measure, illustrating its size. Another photo shows the tooth resting on foil next to taco meat.
A statement from a witness of the incident described Castillo’s reaction upon the discovery. “As we were eating, I heard an ‘awww!’ When I turned to Nohemi, I saw her pulling something out of her mouth, she said, ‘I think it’s a bone,'”
stated the witness. Castillo believed it was a tooth after examining it.
Castillo reported feeling disgusted and physically affected, leading her to a doctor’s visit that resulted in prescriptions. The lawsuit claims she incurred medical expenses and suffered physical and mental distress. She accuses Torchy’s Tacos and Success Foods Management Group of failing to properly prepare, inspect, and distribute food products.
The allegations extend to the chain’s oversight of its meat supplier and suggest violations of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act, along with federal food safety standards. Castillo asserts she would not have bought the meal or would have inspected it more carefully if aware of the issue. She seeks monetary relief of $250,000 or less, with a final decision resting with a jury.
Vasquez noted hearing similar claims from others regarding Torchy’s Tacos since the incident became public. However, these accounts remain unverified. The attorney criticized the company’s initial responses for being limited and deflective.
Meanwhile, Torchy’s asserted it took the complaint seriously and performed a thorough examination. “We are aware of the situation and take all concerns about our food seriously,”
the company informed KVUE. Torchy’s did not immediately respond to further inquiries from Fox News Digital.
Jasmine Baehr, a breaking news writer for Fox News Digital, reported on this incident and covers various topics including politics, legal debates, and cultural matters.