Daily Harvest has recalled a lentil and leek-crusted dish following 470 reports of illness. The notice was posted by the Food and Drug Administration on Thursday.
The company said that approximately 28,000 units were shipped across the U.S. via direct delivery and online sales. Daily Harvest stated that samples were also distributed to “a limited number of consumers”. They urged customers to inspect their freezers and to throw out the recalled product.
TikTok also reported additional cases of people becoming ill after Daily Harvest sent the product to online influencers as part of its public relations campaign. Abigail Silverman, the creative director of TikTok posted a video about being hospitalized for severe stomach pain one day after eating the crumbles.
French Lentil + Leek Crusts in a frozen product packaging in a 12-ounce white bag with the words “Daily Harvest”, a large “CRUMBLES”, and the words “French Lentil+ Leek” in bold.
Daily Harvest issued a recall after customers complained about the French Lentil and Leek Crumbles they purchased from them. Reddit, Instagram, Reddit, and Twitter users reported nausea, vomiting, and liver damage following eating the dish. Reddit user X wrote that their spouse experienced “extreme fatigue,” dark urine, low fever, and itching throughout the body.
Daily Harvest posted an earlier notice on its website advising people to dispose of the product. It stated that it had reached out and contacted customers who purchased the product.
The company stated that it had received reports from customers about French Lentil + Leek Crusts causing digestive problems. “We launched an investigation simultaneously with both internal and external experts throughout the supply chain and in compliance with regulatory procedures.”
Some people found the company’s method of announcing the recall was less than tasteful, despite the many complaints about illness.
After Daily Harvest posted the photo of the recalled dish with the caption: “An important message about our French Lentil + Leek Crumbles,” there was a backlash on social media. Add details to your bio.
One observer tweeted, “Link in bio with details why your liver is failing #dailyharvest.”
Another commenter suggested that the company’s post be used as an example of how to handle such situations. tweeting and posting an attractive photo advertising a product, with a vague “link in bio” is certainly not the right vibe.
Social media managers and public relations professionals around the globe: If your product causes severe and life-threatening illnesses, advertising it with an attractive photo and a vague link in bio is not the way to go. #dailyharvest #readtheroom pic.twitter.com/Ik6ylrB4Z9
Daily Harvest, a food subscription service, was founded in 2015. It ships frozen, pre-made food products to specific zip codes across the country. Gwyneth Paltrow and Serena Williams are among the investors.
According to the company, the French Lentil (leek crumbs) were introduced in April to be used as a food for cooking and to add to other products or dishes.
Daily Harvest and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration did not respond to requests for additional comment.
