JM Smucker Company Cinnamon Roll and Cheese Danish Injury Lawsuit Lawyers

Understanding Your Rights When Pursuing Compensation For Food Product Injuries

The recent nationwide recall of cinnamon rolls and cheese danishes manufactured by The JM Smucker Company has raised significant concerns about food safety. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classified the recall as Class II, meaning these products could cause temporary or medically reversible health consequences, although the probability of severe outcomes is remote. This classification reflects the risk posed by the presence of foreign plastic fragments in these popular food items. Recalls involving foreign objects in food are not rare. In fact, contamination by sharp or hard materials, such as plastic, metal, or glass, accounted for 11.6 percent of all food recalls from 2020 to 2024, according to compliance experts at Traceone. These incidents can have severe consequences for consumers, ranging from minor oral injuries to significant trauma to the digestive tract. Even when the risk of serious injury is deemed low, the fact that these foreign objects make it into food products represents a breach of consumer safety. The FDA specifically warns that sharp or hard foreign objects in food may lead to injuries such as lacerations, tissue perforation, or damage to teeth and gums. Vulnerable populations, such as infants, elderly individuals, and those recovering from surgery, face heightened risks. Despite the voluntary nature of this recall, consumers who purchased or consumed these products deserve accountability from manufacturers when food safety standards fail.

The Impact of Contaminated Food on Consumers

The risks posed by contaminated food are not limited to minor inconvenience. Injuries from consuming foreign objects can have both physical and emotional consequences. Small plastic fragments in cinnamon rolls and cheese danishes, like those cited in this recall, can cause painful cuts to the mouth and throat or damage teeth and gums. In more severe cases, these objects can become lodged in the digestive system, causing internal injury that may require medical intervention. These injuries often lead to unanticipated medical expenses, missed time from work, and emotional distress. For individuals who consume contaminated products unaware of the risks, the situation can result in financial strain and a loss of trust in the products they purchase. Even minor injuries can disrupt daily life, and the uncertainty about the long-term health effects of foreign object ingestion can create additional stress. For those who suffer harm due to a company’s failure to ensure the safety of its products, the impact goes beyond physical injuries. Consumers have a reasonable expectation that the food they purchase will meet safety standards. When those standards are violated, it is not just an individual failure but a systemic breach of trust that can affect countless households.

Pursuing Legal Action for Food Contamination Injuries

Victims injured by foreign objects in food products may have the right to pursue compensation through a product liability lawsuit. Manufacturers have a legal obligation to ensure that their products are free from dangerous defects and comply with federal safety standards. When a company fails to uphold this responsibility, injured consumers can hold them accountable. A product liability lawsuit generally hinges on demonstrating that a defect—whether in manufacturing, design, or labeling—directly caused harm to the consumer. In cases like the cinnamon roll and cheese danish recall, the presence of plastic fragments constitutes a manufacturing defect. Injured individuals can file claims seeking compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from the contamination. The process begins with collecting evidence of the injury and the defective product. This includes medical records, photographs of the injury, and proof of purchase for the contaminated item. Expert testimony may also be necessary to establish the link between the foreign object and the injuries sustained. An attorney experienced in product liability can guide victims through the process, ensuring that all relevant evidence is gathered and legal deadlines are met. Filing a lawsuit also helps to create accountability within the food industry. By holding negligent manufacturers responsible, victims can help prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future, protecting other consumers from harm.

Why an Attorney Is Essential for Food Recall Lawsuits

Navigating the legal complexities of a product liability lawsuit requires skill and knowledge. Food recall cases often involve large corporations with substantial legal resources, and going up against them without representation can be overwhelming. An attorney plays a vital role in leveling the playing field. First, an attorney conducts a thorough investigation to determine how the contamination occurred and whether the manufacturer violated safety standards. They gather evidence, consult experts, and build a strong case to demonstrate the harm caused by the defective product. Additionally, attorneys handle communication with the responsible parties and their insurers, ensuring that the victim’s interests are fully represented throughout the process. If the case goes to trial, an attorney provides critical advocacy in court, presenting evidence and arguments to support the claim. With their knowledge of product liability law and litigation procedures, an attorney increases the likelihood of a successful outcome. Moreover, they help clients understand their rights and options at every step, reducing the stress of the legal process.

Compensation Available for Victims of Food Contamination

Victims of injuries caused by contaminated food products may be eligible to recover several types of damages. Medical expenses, including emergency treatment, surgery, and follow-up care, are often the primary focus. Compensation for lost wages may also be available for those who miss work due to their injuries. Pain and suffering damages are another important consideration, as they address the physical and emotional toll of the injury. For cases involving gross negligence or willful misconduct by the manufacturer, courts may also award punitive damages to deter similar behavior in the future. Seeking compensation is not just about addressing financial losses—it is about holding manufacturers accountable for failing to protect consumers. By pursuing legal action, victims can secure the resources they need to recover while sending a message that unsafe products will not be tolerated.