Underlying this original proceeding are multiple consolidated lawsuits arising from the sale of spoiled chili. Thirteen plaintiffs, who all allegedly suffered food poisoning after eating the spoiled chili, sued the chili manufacturer (real party in interest First Original Texas Chili Co.), distributor (relator Ben E. Keith), and salvage grocer (real party in interest Town Talk Foods, Inc.). Texas Chili and Town Talk have each asserted cross-claims against Ben E. Keith; Ben E. Keith, in turn, has brought cross-claims against Texas Chili and Town Talk for contribution as well as a claim for tortious interference with business against Texas Chili. All plaintiffs settled or nonsuited their claims against Texas Chili and Town Talk, and four plaintiffs settled with Ben E. Keith. These four "settling" plaintiffs intervened back into the lawsuit, asserting new claims against Ben E. Keith for fraudulent inducement of their settlements.
