A New Jersey resident has filed a lawsuit against two prominent companies, alleging severe injuries from consuming defective pistachios. Jane Shevell lodged the complaint in the Circuit Court of the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit in Palm Beach County, Florida, on June 17, 2024, targeting Cal Pure Produce, Inc., and Wonderful Pistachios & Almonds, LLC.
According to the complaint, Shevell claims that she suffered significant injuries after consuming pistachios purchased from Trader Joe’s in Delray Beach, Florida. The plaintiff alleges that both defendants failed to ensure their products were safe for consumption. "On or about December 3, 2022," the document states, "the Plaintiff became severely injured after consuming pistachios processed and distributed by Defendant." Shevell asserts that both companies neglected their duty to exercise reasonable care in growing, processing, inspecting, and distributing their pistachio nuts.
The lawsuit outlines multiple counts of negligence against each defendant. For Cal Pure Produce, Inc., Shevell accuses them of failing to properly inspect and process their food supply. Specific allegations include not having adequate policies and procedures for inspection and processing and failing to train and supervise staff adequately. The complaint also highlights that Cal Pure Produce did not remove foreign objects like pistachio shell fragments from the nuts sold to consumers.
Similarly, Wonderful Pistachios & Almonds is accused of comparable negligence. The company allegedly did not implement proper inspection policies or adequately train its staff on how to inspect and process food supplies. This negligence purportedly led to Shevell's injuries when she consumed a defective product containing shell fragments.
Shevell is seeking damages exceeding $50,000 for her physical injuries, mental anguish, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and past and future medical expenses. The complaint demands judgment against both defendants for damages and costs of suit pursuant to Florida Statutes § 57.041.
Representing Jane Shevell is attorney Alberto M. Lara from The Pendas Law Firm based in Coral Gables, Florida. The case has been assigned Case Number 502024CA005646XXXAMB Div: AE.