Consumers Warned of Packaging Defect That May Cause Bacterial Contamination
Walmart has recalled over 12,000 cartons of its Great Value Family Size Chicken Broth due to a packaging defect that poses a spoilage risk, potentially making the product unsafe for consumption. The recall, announced by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), affects 48-ounce cartons distributed to 242 Walmart stores across multiple states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas.
The affected cartons can be identified by the lot code 98F09234, UPC 007874206684, and a "Best if Used by" date of March 25, 2026. Consumers who have purchased the recalled product are advised to check for these identifying numbers and discard the product if it matches the recall information.
The issue stems from a possible seal defect discovered during production. A compromised seal can allow air and moisture to enter the packaging, which may lead to bacterial contamination and spoilage. Although no illnesses or consumer complaints have been reported, the presence of bacteria in a food product can create significant health risks, including foodborne illness.
The recalled chicken broth was manufactured by Tree House Foods at its Maryland production facility. The recall was officially initiated on December 11, 2024, but public awareness was delayed due to the absence of a formal press release from the manufacturer. News of the recall only reached broader public attention after it was included in an FDA Enforcement Report distributed to media outlets on January 8, 2025.
Upon notification of the defect, Walmart promptly removed all affected products from its shelves and has confirmed compliance with standard recall procedures. Customers who purchased the recalled broth can return it to any Walmart location for a full refund or exchange. The FDA advises consumers to dispose of the broth to avoid potential health risks associated with spoilage and bacterial contamination.
How Consumers Could Be Harmed by the Defective Chicken Broth
The recall of over 12,000 cartons of Great Value chicken broth due to packaging defects raises serious concerns for consumer safety. While no reported illnesses have surfaced, the packaging failure creates a significant risk for bacterial contamination, which can lead to serious health complications if consumed.
The primary health hazard associated with spoiled chicken broth is foodborne illness. When bacteria such as Salmonella, E. coli, or Clostridium perfringens grow in compromised food products, they can cause symptoms including nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever, and dehydration. In severe cases, foodborne pathogens can lead to long-term health consequences such as kidney damage or complications in vulnerable groups, including young children, elderly individuals, and those with weakened immune systems.
Another way harm could arise is through misleading shelf stability. Consumers rely on the sterility of sealed food products for long-term storage. A compromised seal allows the food to spoil faster than expected, potentially leading individuals to consume the product unknowingly after its sterility has been compromised.
The emotional and financial consequences can also be significant. Families who purchase bulk-sized food products like the 48-ounce Great Value Chicken Broth often do so for meal planning and budgeting. Discovering a recalled product in their pantry can create stress and inconvenience, especially when the recall notice was delayed for weeks after the initial product removal.
Legal Rights and Filing a Product Liability Lawsuit
Victims who have suffered harm due to the consumption of contaminated Great Value chicken broth may have grounds to file a product liability lawsuit against Walmart and Tree House Foods. Product liability laws protect consumers from unsafe products, holding manufacturers and distributors responsible when their products cause harm due to defects in design, manufacturing, or packaging.
In this recall, the packaging defect falls under manufacturing defects since the compromised seal poses a direct health risk. Food manufacturers and distributors have a duty to ensure their products meet health and safety standards before reaching consumers. When they fail to do so, they can be held liable for the harm caused.
The process for filing a product liability lawsuit typically involves several key stages:
1. Identifying the Harm and Establishing Liability: The first step is demonstrating that the defective product directly caused harm. In this case, victims would need medical records, proof of product purchase, and evidence that the product was from the recalled batch.
2. Filing the Complaint: A formal legal complaint is filed against the manufacturer and distributor, outlining the allegations, including the defective seal, the resulting contamination, and the harm suffered.
3. Evidence Collection: Both sides will engage in discovery, exchanging evidence such as production records, quality control documentation, and expert analyses demonstrating how the seal defect occurred.
4. Negotiation and Settlement: Many product liability claims settle before reaching trial. The defendants may offer compensation to avoid litigation. If a fair settlement is reached, the case concludes.
5. Trial: If settlement negotiations fail, the case will proceed to trial where a judge or jury determines liability and the appropriate compensation.
Why Victims Need an Attorney for Each Step of the Lawsuit
Product liability cases can be challenging, especially when dealing with large corporations and complex legal standards for proving fault. An attorney provides essential guidance at every stage of the process, from evidence collection to negotiation strategies.
An experienced product liability attorney can investigate whether the manufacturer followed industry safety protocols, whether the defect was known before distribution, and whether the delay in public notification played a role in exposing consumers to harm. They can also build a strong case backed by medical experts and food safety professionals to ensure victims' voices are heard in court.
Without proper legal representation, consumers risk being undervalued or denied the compensation they deserve. Corporations have extensive legal resources, and a skilled attorney can ensure victims are on equal footing when seeking justice.
Types of Damages Recoverable in a Product Liability Lawsuit
Victims who have suffered harm from consuming defective Great Value chicken broth may be entitled to compensation for a range of damages, including:
- Medical Costs: Reimbursement for medical treatment, hospital visits, and long-term health monitoring resulting from foodborne illness.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost while recovering from illness.
- Pain and Suffering: Damages for physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life.
- Punitive Damages: If gross negligence can be proven, such as delayed public notification or failure to implement proper safety checks, additional damages may be awarded to punish the responsible parties and deter similar actions in the future.
If you or a loved one suffered harm due to the recalled Great Value Chicken Broth, you may have grounds to pursue significant compensation for your injuries and losses. The national product injury law firm Parker Waichman LLP is committed to holding negligent corporations accountable for their unsafe products.
Contact Parker Waichman LLP for a Free Case Review
Contact us by calling 1-800-YOUR-LAWYER (1-800-968-7529) for a free consultation and let our legal team help you pursue justice and financial recovery. Regardless of your location or where your injury occurred, our nationwide product injury law firm is ready to assist you.
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