When Did Daily Harvest First Learn its French Lentil + Leek Crumbles Were Causing Liver Failure?

On April 28, 2022, Daily Harvest announced the launch of Crumbles, a versatile plant-based crumble made entirely from real ingredients like lentils, nuts, seeds, and vegetables.

Of note, some “influencers” received the product earlier and became part of the statistics of the hundreds with severe liver disfunction.  A key question is when was Daily Harvest made aware of the mounting illnesses.

Since Monday we have been contacted by nearly 100 consumers who have suffered nearly identical symptoms.  Here is one example of a young woman who had her gallbladder removed yesterday:

Headache, nausea, vomiting, skin sensitivity and stomach sensitivity were also symptoms. The headache, nausea and vomiting accompanied the worst pain in the evening and lasted for several hours to a few days. Severe abdominal pain in the upper right quadrant. Right shoulder pain. Pain was sharp. The pain got worse over time and the first time it lasted for 72 hours. I had some stomach sensitivity though for 120 hours total. The second time I experienced intense pain for 120 hours and I am still feeling pain. The pain came on around 7 am on Sunday, May 29th and is ongoing although less severe right now. I am getting my gallbladder removed as a result. 

According to the April 28, 2022, press release, “Consumers now have a people and planet-friendly way to add more nourishing plant protein into their diets. Crumbles offer 13 grams of protein per serving and are free of gums, fillers, hydrogenated oils, GMOs, or artificial anything. Just sauté, then add to tacos, pasta sauces, Daily Harvest Flatbreads, and more. Crafted by Daily Harvest’s team of chefs and nutritionists, Crumbles are launching in two mouth-watering varieties: Walnut + Thyme and French Lentil + Leek. Both are savory, herbaceous, and seasoned to perfection, yet versatile enough to use as a base for different recipes. The new collection is easy to prepare and ready in minutes, offering a simple way to integrate more nuts, seeds, legumes, and veggies into diets – and make a difference for the planet.”

However, after hundreds of customers reported – now likely over 500, Daily Harvest recalled the French Lentil + Leek Crumbles on June 23, 2022.

According to Daily Harvest, “From April 28 to June 17, 2022, approximately 28,000 units of the recalled product were distributed to consumers in the continental United States through online sales and direct delivery, as well as through retail sales at the Daily Harvest store in Chicago, IL, and a “pop-up” store in Los Angeles, CA. Samples were also provided to a small number of consumers. 

French Lentil + Leek Crumbles is a frozen product packaged in a 12oz white pouch with the words “Daily Harvest” at the top, a large “CRUMBLES” immediately below the top and the words “French Lentil + Leek” in bold, as shown below. All lot codes of the French Lentil + Leek Crumbles are affected.  No other Daily Harvest products are affected or part of this recall.

To date, the company has received approximately 470 reports of illness or adverse reactions. Consumer safety is our highest priority, and we have taken immediate steps to stop production and distribution of the product and conduct a root cause investigation, which is ongoing. This recall is being made in cooperation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.  

Here are a few suggestions to victims:

1. Protect your heath – seek prompt medical care.

2. DO NOT, as Daily Harvest suggests, “dispose of it.” The product can be tested.

3. Do not eat the product.

4. Report your illness to the FDA at 866-300-4374

Republished with permission from Bill Marler and Marler Clark. Copyright (c) Marler Clark LLP, PS. All rights reserved.