The Hidden Dangers of Untested Ingredients in Food

Understanding the Risks of Tara Flour and Other Unapproved Additives

The recent controversy surrounding Daily Harvest’s French Lentil + Leek Crumbles highlights a serious issue in the U.S. food regulatory system: untested and potentially dangerous ingredients entering the food supply. Daily Harvest, a popular plant-based meal service, began selling this product in April 2022. By June of the same year, the company was forced to issue a voluntary recall after receiving hundreds of complaints of gastrointestinal and liver-related illnesses. Consumers reported severe symptoms, including liver damage and, in some cases, the need for emergency gallbladder surgery.

The root cause of these illnesses was traced to an ingredient called tara flour, a protein-rich substance derived from the seed pods of the tara plant. While tara gum, a related product, has long been used safely in food as a thickening agent, tara flour had never been thoroughly evaluated or approved as a food ingredient in the United States. Despite being labeled under the FDA’s “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS) designation, tara flour proved anything but safe for the consumers who became seriously ill after ingesting it.

This situation brings to light the inadequacies of the GRAS system, which allows food manufacturers to introduce new ingredients without FDA approval or thorough safety testing. The system was originally designed to apply to ingredients with a long history of safe use, such as vinegar or salt. However, many companies now use this loophole to bypass FDA scrutiny, putting consumers at risk. Tara flour remained in the market for nearly two years before the FDA declared it an unapproved food additive in 2024, long after many consumers had already suffered serious health consequences.

How Consumers Are Harmed by Unsafe Ingredients

The health risks associated with untested food ingredients like tara flour can be severe and life-altering. In the case of Daily Harvest’s French Lentil + Leek Crumbles, consumers reported gastrointestinal issues, elevated liver enzymes, and other signs of liver damage. For some, the damage was so severe that emergency surgery was required to remove their gallbladder. These health issues not only cause significant physical pain and discomfort but also lead to long-term consequences such as chronic liver disease, ongoing medical treatments, and permanent dietary restrictions.

Liver damage is particularly concerning because of the organ’s vital role in filtering toxins, processing nutrients, and regulating metabolism. When the liver is compromised, it can lead to a wide range of health problems, including jaundice, fatigue, digestive issues, and in extreme cases, liver failure. For the individuals affected by Daily Harvest’s product, these symptoms were debilitating and required immediate medical intervention.

Beyond the physical harm, the emotional and financial toll of such injuries is substantial. Many victims face mounting medical bills for emergency care, surgery, and follow-up treatments. Those who experience long-term health complications may also suffer a loss of income if they are unable to work during their recovery. The emotional stress of dealing with an unexpected health crisis, coupled with the uncertainty of a full recovery, can further exacerbate the harm caused by these unsafe products.

Filing a Lawsuit for Injuries Caused by Unsafe Food Products

Victims who have been harmed by unsafe food products like Daily Harvest’s French Lentil + Leek Crumbles may have legal options to pursue compensation. Product liability lawsuits allow consumers to hold manufacturers accountable for the harm caused by defective or dangerous products. In this case, victims could argue that Daily Harvest failed to ensure the safety of its product and did not adequately test the ingredient tara flour before introducing it to the market.

The legal process for filing a product liability lawsuit typically begins with gathering evidence to support the claim. This includes medical records documenting the injury, product receipts, and any communications with the manufacturer. An attorney experienced in product liability cases will investigate the circumstances surrounding the product’s introduction, including any internal documents from the company that may reveal whether the manufacturer knew about the potential dangers of tara flour but failed to act.

After filing the lawsuit, both parties will engage in the discovery process, during which evidence is exchanged, and depositions may be taken. Your attorney will also work with medical experts to establish a clear link between the product and the harm caused. Once the evidence is presented, the case may proceed to trial, or the parties may reach a settlement outside of court. In either scenario, having legal representation is essential to ensure that victims receive the compensation they deserve.

The Importance of Legal Representation

Product liability cases, particularly those involving food safety, can be complex and challenging to prove. Companies often have teams of attorneys ready to defend against such claims, and they may attempt to downplay the severity of the injuries or the extent of their responsibility. This is why it is critical for victims to have an experienced attorney who understands the nuances of product liability law and can advocate on their behalf.

An attorney will guide you through each step of the legal process, from filing the initial claim to negotiating a settlement or presenting the case at trial. They will ensure that all necessary evidence is gathered and presented effectively, and they will work to secure the maximum compensation available. This compensation can cover a range of damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any long-term care needs resulting from the injury.

Without legal representation, victims may struggle to navigate the complexities of the legal system or may accept a settlement offer that is far below what they are entitled to. An attorney will protect your rights and fight to hold the responsible parties accountable.

Damages Available in a Product Liability Lawsuit

Victims of unsafe food products can recover several types of damages through a product liability lawsuit. The most immediate concern for many is the cost of medical treatment, which may include emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, and ongoing medical monitoring. For those who suffer long-term health issues, the costs of future medical care may also be covered.

In addition to medical expenses, victims can seek compensation for lost wages if their injuries prevent them from working. This can include both the income lost during the recovery period and compensation for any future earnings that may be affected by the injury. If the injury leads to a permanent disability, the victim may also recover damages for reduced earning capacity.

Pain and suffering are another important category of damages in product liability cases. Victims of unsafe products often experience significant physical pain, emotional distress, and a diminished quality of life. Courts may award damages to compensate for this suffering, recognizing the lasting impact that the injury has on the victim’s life.