A Houston man is taking legal action against a popular grocery chain after a bout of severe illness allegedly caused by moldy turkey jerky. On July 12, 2024, Peter Oyedele filed a complaint in the Harris County District Court against Trader Joe’s East Inc., accusing the company of negligence and gross negligence.
The lawsuit stems from an incident on December 28, 2023, when Oyedele purchased Trader Joe’s Natural Turkey Jerky from the store located at 2922 S Shepherd Dr, Houston, TX. According to the court documents, Oyedele consumed the product on January 22, 2024, only to discover it was contaminated with mold. The plaintiff claims that he fell severely ill shortly after consuming the jerky and sought medical attention at Rapid Care ER on the same day. His condition worsened, leading him to seek further treatment at River Oaks Hospital on February 1, 2024.
Oyedele alleges that Trader Joe’s failed to adhere to proper food safety standards and did not implement adequate procedures to inspect their products for quality before selling them to consumers. "Defendants deliberately, recklessly and or negligently chose not to inspect or otherwise ensure that defendants’ products met food quality standards prior to putting it on shelves and selling it to Plaintiff," states the complaint. The plaintiff argues that this negligence has caused him significant physical pain and suffering, emotional distress, medical expenses, and educational setbacks.
In his petition, Oyedele outlines several accusations against Trader Joe’s including failing to ensure that their turkey jerky was mold-free and safe for consumption. He asserts that these actions demonstrate a pattern of extreme indifference and reckless disregard for customer safety. "Defendants' actions before, during, and after Plaintiff's injuries show that Defendants have a pattern and culture of extreme indifference and reckless disregard for the value of human life and the safety of its patrons," reads another section of the complaint.
The plaintiff is seeking monetary relief between $300,000 and $1 million for damages incurred due to physical pain and suffering (both past and future), emotional distress (both past and future), medical costs (both past and future), loss of earning capacity (both past and future), educational losses (both past and future), as well as attorney's fees under Sections 37.009 and 38.001 of the Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code.
The case is being handled by Carolyn Okorafor from Co & Co Attorneys At Law based in Houston. The presiding judge over this matter is yet to be named but will be assigned under Case ID: 2024-43748 in Harris County District Court.