Daily Harvest Crumbles Lawsuit Filed Over Gastrointestinal Illness and Liver Problems

Following a recall impacting frozen Daily Harvest French Lentil + Leek Crumbles products, which have been linked to reports of severe gastrointestinal illnesses, liver problems and other severe injuries, a lawsuit was filed late last week on behalf of a child who developed potential lifelong and life-threatening health complications.

A Daily Harvest recall was first announced in late June, impacting nearly 30,000 packages of the prepared Crumbles, which were distributed to individuals who subscribe to the popular meal delivery service. The action was taken following more than 470 reports involving severe gastrointestinal illnesses and other problems with the Daily Harvest crumbles, often resulting in hospitalization.

Since the recall, a growing number of Daily Harvest crumbles lawsuits are being filed by consumers nationwide, who claim they developed liver injuries, gallbladder injuries, abdominal stress or other gastrointestinal injuries after eating contaminated products.

On Friday, Justin Albright filed a complaint (PDF) in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, indicating that his minor daughter is one of those sickened by the Daily Harvest Crumbles.

The child consumed the Daily Harvest French Lentil + Leek Crumbles on June 3, and almost immediately began experiencing abdominal pain and gastrointestinal distress later that day. Following persistent symptoms for several days, Albright took his daughter, identified in the complaint with the initials “T.A.”, to her pediatrician and lab tests discovered that she had elevated levels of thyroid and liver enzymes.

T.A.’s pediatrician then ordered additional testing and an ultrasound, referring her to a pediatric gastrointestinal and liver specialist. The specialist warned the family that the elevated liver enzymes could indicate potential lifelong and life threatening injuries, and advised that T.A. no longer play sports due to the risk that an inflamed liver could lacerate while playing, causing a fatal result.

The lawsuit states the pain, suffering and bodily injury T.A. experienced were a direct and proximate result of the Daily Harvest Crumbles and the manufacturer’s negligence, in failing to exercise reasonable care in preparing and monitoring the safety and sanitary conditions of its products.

Albright also claims Daily Harvest knew or should have known about the growing number of illnesses being reported by consumers, yet continued to market the new line of Crumbles.

“More than 470 instances of consumers experiencing illness or adverse reactions after consumption of the French Lentil + Leek Crumbles have been reported,” according to the complaint. “The consumption of Defendants’ products has caused an array of serious health complications, from gastrointestinal illness to liver and gallbladder dysfunction.”

Daily Harvest Crumbles Recall Investigation

Daily Harvest delivers a variety of ready-to-blend smoothies, bowels, soups and other products, which are marketed through television ads and social media influencers. However, a number of those individuals paid to promote the products on social media are among consumers who have experienced gastrointestinal illness, liver function issues, and other side effects. Some consumers have also reportedly suffered severe enough injuries to require gallbladder removal surgery.

As of July 12, 2022, a Daily Harvest recall update states testing has been inconclusive of Listeria, E.Coli, Salmonella, Staphylococcus Aureus (Staph), B.Cereus, Clostridium species, mycotoxins, aflatoxins as well as for major allergens including egg, soy, milk, and gluten; all of which have come back negative, to date. However, Daily Harvest announced the company will continue diligently working with federal and state agencies to cast a wider net to identify the source of contamination in its recalled French Lentil + Leek Crumbles products.

While the investigation continues, the FDA is instructing consumers to stop eating the recalled products and to discard them immediately to prevent further contamination and possible injury.