Back in mid-to-late June of 2022, Daily Harvest, a popular vegan food source, became the focal point for hundreds of complaints after consumers began to experience significant illness after eating the company’s lentil crumbles. About 28,000 12oz pouches of Daily Harvests French Lentil + Leek Crumbles were voluntarily recalled as a result, but not until the FDA, CDC, and independent labs began investigated approximately 470 complaints of gastrointestinal and liver issues after consumers ate the French Lentil + Leek Crumbles. A number of the victims eventually had to have their gallbladders removed.
Since then, and together with the FDA, the CDC as well as top doctors, microbiologists, toxicologists, and independent food safety experts, the company has identified tara flour as the culprit. Tara flour is made from tara seeds native to South America and was only used in this one product. According to the company, for this reason there is no concern with the other 100+ products in its inventory. Additionally, Daily Harvest immediately discontinued sourcing this flour from the producer. The investigation as to “what” was wrong with the tara flour is ongoing.
“I appreciate the trust you put in Daily Harvest every time you feed your family. What you put on your table is what we put on ours, and your health and safety are our top priority,” founder Rachel Drori said in a statement. “I want to personally apologize to anyone who has been impacted as well as reaffirm my commitment to making sure this experience provides lessons we can implement. We’re also working with those who experienced adverse reactions to help them.”
These pouches are mainly purchased through online sales, delivery, retail, and some pop-up stores across the country. It is highly recommended that consumers throw this specific item out immediately, or return unopened packages for a refund. According to Daily Harvest, no other menu products from by them have been known to present any health issues for consumers. For those that have consumed the item, and feel ill, Daily Harvest recommends they contact your health provider immediately. Typical symptoms from the item include but are not limited to dark urine, itching, stomach pain, elevated liver enzymes, fever, and body aches.
