Daily Harvest fans claim that lens crumble sent them to the emergency room
Smoothies are meant to be a healthy meal replacement, but some people who drink Daily Harvest claim that they get the exact opposite.
The customizable, direct-to-consumer smoothie company has issued a recall of their plant-based, protein-packed “Crumbles” made from leeks and lentils after several customers reported stomach discomfort, which reportedly led to emergency visits and even gallbladder removal.
The victims first came together on social media to share their experiences, such as Cosmopolitan magazine’s digital creative director Abigail Silverman, who went viral with more than 830,000 views on TikTok this week after sharing her story. She claims she landed in the hospital shortly after trying Crumbles for the first time.
“When I was in the emergency room, they could not find out what was wrong with me,”[ads1]; said Silverman, who was sent home with antibiotics. Five days later, her pain returned. “It was even worse, and I had a 101.8 fever.”
Back in the hospital, she was tested for “everything,” she recalled, including hepatitis, mono- and gallstones, and also underwent a battery scan and ultrasound. She now sees a liver specialist ahead, although her illness remains a mystery.
A subReddit for Daily Harvest customers has also collected several reports of high fever and “debilitating” abdominal pain.
“Two weeks ago, I tried crumbles for the first time,” a report began. “That night I had debilitating stomach pains, like nothing I had ever felt before. It was so bad that I had to go to the emergency room as a last resort to relieve and manage the pain. After a CT scan, IV, medication and a week on a dry diet, I thought maybe it was some kind of mistake. “
They continued: “Fast forward to yesterday, I decided to try crumbles again. Look and see, I’m awake with exactly the same horrible stomach ache. Fortunately, I have prescription medication from the last time this happened and do not have to go back to the emergency room. “
Many others responded to the post with their parallel experiences. “I have been in and out of the hospital for 5 days now during the last 2 weeks with extreme abdominal pain, jaundice, elevated LFTs etc. It would come strong after eating crumbs.” They continued: “I did not put it together until the email DH sent out tonight with an offer of $ 10 (ha!).”
One of the more extreme reports of alleged organ failure due to Crumbles consumption. “I am here with the same experience as all of you. I even had the gallbladder removed. Times for legal action boys. This is madness. INSANE. I am in shock.”
The plant-based product was launched just a few weeks ago, as a crispy, tasty, protein-filled topping for Daily Harvest recipes.
Now it can be read on their product page that the French lentil + leek crumbs are “temporarily discontinued”, and encourage shoppers to “please throw away this item and do not eat it.” (Concerns about their new walnut + thyme crumbs have not been reported.)
Daily Harvest did not immediately respond to The Post’s request for comment.
In a press release issued on Sunday, the company confirmed that they had received complaints of “gastrointestinal problems” among customers after eating Crumbles.
“Nothing matters more than the health and safety of our customers, and we greatly appreciate the trust you place in us and our food every day,” they said, urging consumers to continue reporting the discomfort and illness associated with their products.
In an update on Wednesday, Daily Harvest continued, “We take this very seriously and do everything we can to get to the bottom of this. Your health and well-being is our highest priority.”
They continue to outline their current investigative measures, claiming that they first “immediately took action and issued a voluntary recall” as soon as they heard the alarming reports, and contacted the borrowers directly to warn them.
They are now working closely with [Food and Drug Administration] and with several independent laboratories, “as well as” experts to help us get to the bottom of this. “
“All pathogenic and toxicological results have returned negative so far, but we continue to do extensive testing and will keep you updated,” they added.
