Lettuce Play: Recall Is Just Tip of Iceberg as Taylor Farms Sues Ex-Exec Over $32M Gambling Scheme

The Cyclospora outbreak linked to lettuce from a Taylor Farms facility in Mexico could be only the tipping point for the California-based food producer, as scandal continues to rock the privately owned organization.

Taylor Farms remains on the defensive over its food safety protocols after federal health officials in July linked iceberg lettuce from its Guanajuato production facility to a widespread Cyclospora parasite outbreak.

The outbreak has caused severe gastrointestinal illness, sickening thousands across the U.S. Health authorities have linked Cyclospora to roughly 300 hospitalizations and two deaths in Michigan.

Matters escalated for Taylor Farms this week when the company voluntarily recalled prepared products containing jalapeno peppers—including salsa, guacamole, and dips—across 26 states.

Compounding the crisis is an ongoing federal civil lawsuit filed by Taylor Farms against a former executive, alleging he embezzled at least $32 million over several years to fund a lavish lifestyle that included “gambling activities.”

Taylor Farms Alleges Abuse of Power

In June, Taylor Farms filed suit against Brian Thure, the former president of subsidiary Taylor Farms Tennessee. The regional facility specializes in packaged salad kits, prepared foods, fresh-cut produce, and white-label products for retailers such as Trader Joe’s, Walmart, Kroger, and Target.

According to the complaint, an audit in early 2025 uncovered financial discrepancies and questionable reimbursement practices involving one of the facility’s primary contractors, MTS Building and Electrical.

Siphoning The Greens

The lawsuit alleges that Thure, along with his wife, Julie Thure, and MTS Principal James McPherson, conspired to divert more than $32 million from the company over several years.

As regional president, Thure oversaw facility operations, accounting, and vendor controls. Taylor Farms accuses him of exploiting his position of trust to funnel corporate funds for personal gain. While MTS initially performed roughly $400,000 in legitimate construction work at the plant, the complaint alleges the contractor later assisted in funneling money to the Thures in exchange for kickbacks.

In the federal complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee, Taylor Farms alleges that Thure admitted to the scheme during a recorded telephone conversation with corporate representatives.

“Mr. Thure spoke to his propensity to engage in extravagant personal spending on activities such as gambling and women, none of which were related to any legitimate business purpose,” the complaint alleges.

The court filing does not specify the nature or platforms involved in the alleged gambling activity.

Alleged Confession and Legal Proceedings

Thure resigned from Taylor Farms in March. According to the filing, he called Taylor Farms Founder and CEO Bruce Taylor a month later to confess and apologize for the misconduct.

Local media reports indicate the defendants may also be the subject of a federal criminal investigation, though no formal indictment has been unsealed.

A case management conference for the civil lawsuit is scheduled for Sept. 15, 2026. Taylor Farms is seeking full recovery of the alleged stolen funds alongside additional compensatory damages.