Yesterday evening I made myself some Knorr Alfredo Pasta Primavera Veggies, side dish. I buy these because they make the perfect meal for one person, or great side dishes with something else.
After I fixed it, I dished some out for myself, went into the living room, to eat my dinner, while watching a movie. I pushed play on the DVD remote, and got settled in to eat and enjoy the movie.
I took a bite, and started to chew, then I bit down on something hard. Okay pasta isn't supposed to be hard. Right? Well I stopped chewing, and start to choke, because part of it was in the back of my throat. I was able to get it out, along with all the other pasta that was in my mouth.
There was a piece of plastic, that kind of resembled a fish bone, it was hard, and about 2" long, about the thickness of maybe more then a pencil lead. Needless to say I didn't eat anymore after that. I saved the package, and the piece of plastic.
What if I would have really choked on this, I live alone so there would be no one to even help me. Or what if Bubbie was eating dinner with me, because the two of us eat those side dishes sometimes. Point is I think something should be done.
I emailed the Knorr company, and they sent me a quick email back listing some numbers to call, and stating that they would get a hold of me to answer my questions in my email. So I called the number listed for the product emergency, because there could be more out there on the shelves, or in other homes.
The lady on the phone took all the information and told me that they would contact the company also. Then this morning Knorr products company, called me. They asked all the same questions, and said they would want to see this. I told them I had kept the package, and the piece of plastic. She informed me that she would be sending me a letter, and a self stamped envelope to send the package, and plastic to them, so they could look at it to see what it was.
Oh she also asked if there was anyway it could have come from my house. I had to laugh at little, and I told her, "No there was no way it could have come from my house. I keep a very clean house."
Okay so then she went on, to tell me that she would be sending me out a package, of some of their other products, and hoped I would be able to use some of them, and enjoy them.
I asked, "Okay! That is all fine but what about the fact that I almost choked on this piece of plastic? Are those other products supposed to help that fact?"
She just told me that they would have to look at it, and then get back with me about it after they investigate it. Okay then fine I will send them the package, and the plastic.
But I want to know now what would you do if this happened to you? Give me some advice PLEASE!!
What would you do???
Piece of plastic taped to a ruler.. a little over 2" if straightened out.
************
Picture of the package, Knorr Alfredo Pasta Primavera- Veggies.
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Comments
Telling them and showing them the plastic is important because this could happen to someone else....if the food is "tainted" it will be pulled from the shelf. You didn't eat it, which is good!
Seriously, I don't think they will offer you compensation unless the plastic damaged your throat or caused you to go to the hospital immediately after....even though I am sure it scared the hell out of you at the time.
Thanks for posting this.
Rated.
I am sure that they won't promise to do anything until they see the plastic. I do not think you should worry about sending it in. I would send it in.... but it is a good idea to have pictures of the plastic. let me know how things turn out! Glad you are okay.
What you decide to do determines what to do with the evidence. If all you want is that they know about the issue and want them to check it out, fine. Send them the plastic.
But keep in mind that people have settled potential law suits without having been harmed by the product. The potential for harm is all that mattered. I am not suggesting that you do this, but just laying out some facts.
Monte
I chomped down on a big fat pickled caterpillar in a can of beer one time. Sent a complaint letter without demands of any kind on an attorney's letterhead. They sent money.
Basically, decide what you want. If you want money, you need to write a demand letter or get a lawyer. You have to know what the basis is of your demand, such as emotional distress. The other facts are there, but without showing how it harmed you, the company is not obligated to give you money. If what you want is to make sure they address the issue, ask that they keep you informed. Say you want to know what the plastic was and where it came from.
You can send the letter along with your piece of plastic. I think they do need it in order to investigate. Do it all in writing, though. That is important. When you write your letter, use it to document all the contact you have had to date. So, for instance, say "I spoke to so-and-so on such-and-such a date, who said this..." If you ever decide to sue, you will have something in writing that you notified them, and a person to whom the letter was addressed.
My friend Vern (who was 6'3 and 250 or so with a big red beard) once got a half rotted mouse in his mouth out of a bottle of returnable type beer. Yeah, he had to spit it out and discern what the fuck it was, after puking a couple of times.
I guess he took the remainder of the case of beer to the store he bought it from and slammed it on the counter along with little mousey; they gave him all kinds of free booze.
As far as what YOU do? I think Sirenita is on the right track here...
I am keeping track of the calls, dates and who I talked to, I will continue to do so. As for what I am going to do is yet to be decided as of now, still thinking.
I have tried to take a better picture but I think I actually may take it to a friend to have her take the picture, and plus witness the piece of plastic, because I was having so much trouble taking the damn thing to being with and none would come out but this one. I know I will keep trying.
Thank you again for all your help. I will be back soon..
R
Will go sleep now..
Good night and hope you all have a better tomorrow..
Yes it could happen to any company. I have worked in food manufacturing before I know what can happen and what does happen.
I do know if an attorney is going to cost me a down payment, then like scanner said "I've already lost." But then again the company doesn't have to know that part of the story, now do they. But I will let everyone know what I decide and thank you all once again..
I'm sure Knorr can well afford to part with some monetary damages. They'd rather pay you now, than pay an attorney and team to go to court later!
Glad you're okay and nothing tragic happened.
:-)
I've had occasion to find things in packaged foods before. My wife has always done what you've done, usually with satisfactory results (we never asked for money and never received anything more than either coupons for other products or reimbursement for the cost of the item and then some).
If you are considering going the legal route by all means take Monte's advice.
Good to know you're ok.
Lealane-Thank you- I knew that part, I am a certified first alert, but still thank you very much for the help.
Spotted- Yes there was a couple comments about beer. They grossed me just thinking about all the beer I used to drink and made me more than happy that I don't drink anymore.. Thank you
BillS- Yes you are right it does happen a lot, more than we all know of. Q/A can't catch it all, like I said I have worked in food manufacturing before, even done the part of the inspector at the end of the line. Those are places you really don't want to work at, because after what you see you don't want to eat the stuff. It took me years to eat chicken, pork, lunch meat or hot dogs. Worked in a chicken plant, pork plant and swift foods that makes hot dogs and lunch meat stuff like that.
They did say they were sending me out a package of products. Thank you
Michael- Yes they are so good and very low in fat. I eat them all the time. Like I said cheap easy healthy meal for one, that taste good. But I might wait a while before buying them again. Thank you
Thank you again everyone, you all have been so much help and great sports with all this. Still unsure of what I will do. Don't really care to much for court rooms and attorneys I will say that much. So if anything can be done without those two it sure would be great.
Thank you have a great weekend...
Sometimes i drink beer wrong, and try to swallow the can. I dont know if that is a lawsuit, but i do have evidence...............eminence front its a put on...................i r duink
Blinddogjohn- You are so hilarious, your comment cracked me up, stop trying to eat the can.. I don't think you would have a case there. Thank you for your advice..
I wouldn't waste my time with lawyers. You weren't injured, so there isn't much chance of a settlement worth pursuing.
Advice: Move on.
But, sorry you ruined your evening, etc., glad you are ok, and best of luck.
I did receive a nice letter from the company today, with a bunch of coupons for free food items. Herbal tea is one of the, which is my favorite. They said they are also going to send out a care package of many different items. So at least they are keeping in touch with me and not ignoring me like some companies do.
Thank you for your advice and also for coming by "The World of Fireeyes24".