A shocking lawsuit from the United States has raised serious concerns about food safety after a woman claimed she accidentally swallowed a severed human fingertip while drinking orange juice.
Woman Files Lawsuit Against Trader Joe’s
An Oregon resident, Julee O’Neil, has filed a legal complaint against Trader Joe’s, seeking $10,000 in damages along with legal fees. The case was filed in a local court in Multnomah County.
According to the complaint, the incident happened in June 2025 after she purchased a bottle of organic orange juice from a Trader Joe’s store in Portland.
What Happened According to the Complaint
O’Neil claims she was drinking a 52-ounce bottle of orange juice with pulp and had nearly finished it when something unusual happened.
As per the lawsuit:
- She felt what seemed like a large piece of pulp in her mouth
- She initially assumed it was part of the juice
- She later realised it may have been a severed human fingertip
- The object reportedly had part of a rubber glove attached
The complaint states that she may have accidentally swallowed the object before realising what it was.
Health Concerns and Medical Visit
After the incident, O’Neil said she experienced:
- Gagging and nausea
- A burning feeling in her mouth
- Fear about possible contamination
Due to these symptoms, she visited an urgent care clinic to get medical attention and ensure her safety.
Legal Action and Company Response
O’Neil had earlier sent a request for settlement to the company, but according to the complaint, Trader Joe’s did not respond or agree to pay.
As a result:
- She filed a formal lawsuit
- She is asking for compensation and legal costs
- The company has not publicly commented on the case so far
Her lawyer has also not shared additional details publicly.
