On or about June 25, 2013, the Harris County Public Health & Environmental Services investigated a report of illness at Iguana Joes. Iguana Joes was temporarily shut down due to “continued critical violations that put the public’s health at risk.” The Harris County Public Health & Environmental Services linked a dozen people sick with Salmonella with seven being children. The Harris County Public Health & Environmental Services found 27 violations in 1 inspection. Inspectors went back the next day and found another 29 violations. Two days later, they returned and recorded 24 violations and discarded 45 pounds of food. Harris County Public Health & Environmental Services returned the next day and identified another 27 violations. Iguana Joes was then closed.
On or about June 18, 2013, Plaintiffs consumed a variety of food at Iguana Joes. On or about June 21, 2013, Jalen became fussy and suffered a loss of appetite. Later that day, and for the next several days, he became quite ill with a fever and diarrhea. Justin and Regina cared for their son, keeping him as comfortable as possible and hydrated. After a week of illness, his pediatrician, who ordered a stool culture, which eventually returned positive for Salmonella, saw Jalen. Jalen continued to be ill over the next week as his parents continued to care for him.