The Digester

Judge ends suit by German tourist who said Los Tacos No. 1 burned his tongue

Mar 15th 2026

A German tourist sued Los Tacos No. 1 after saying an unlabelled hot salsa burned his tongue and caused health issues, but a federal judge denied his request for default judgment and closed the case.

  • Faycal Manz sued after a 2024 Times Square visit, saying he ate three tacos with an unlabelled very spicy salsa and immediately felt burning in his mouth and tongue.
  • Manz told court he experienced nausea, diarrhea and mouth blisters and that his smartwatch showed a heart rate jump from 80 to 95 beats per minute, and he submitted a photo of his tongue.
  • He sought compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, emotional distress and lost enjoyment of his New York trip.
  • U.S. District Judge Dale Ho denied Manz's request for a default judgment as moot and terminated the case.