Conagra Being Sued for Alleged Defects in PAM Cooking Spray Containers

The makers of PAM cooking spray—a staple in many kitchens—are facing multiple lawsuits from over a half-dozen people who say they were injured when their PAM containers exploded. Food behemoth Conagra, the manufacturer of PAM, has not issued a recall on PAM spray, but it did remove the can in question from “active production” earlier in 2019. The can was on the market for three years and was sold primarily to restaurants and food service outlets.

Dangerous and faulty products make it to the market all the time, causing serious injuries and even death. Get in touch with the Simpson Law Group and our San Diego product liability attorney if you or someone you love has been affected by a dangerous product. We can help you hold the responsible party accountable for your damages.

Significant Injuries

USA Today reports that the injuries sustained by the plaintiffs in the lawsuit were quite significant, ranging from burns to one plaintiff being blinded by the explosion. Some plaintiffs were disfigured as a result, necessitating surgeries and skin grafts. In each explosion, the PAM spray container had been positioned on a cart, counter or shelf near a stove or oven. Conagra says that when the spray is used appropriately and as instructed, there is no danger to the consumer and that it is 100 percent “safe and effective.” The company goes on to say its sprays are used millions of times a day around the country and have been in production for more than 50 years.

Negligent Design?

The plaintiffs allege that the faulty PAM cans “were designed and manufactured so that when the can buckled and the u-shaped vents on the bottom of the canister opened, the internal contents of the canister would escape through the vents and the pressure inside the can would be reduced.” The cans in question were 10 ounces or larger in size and sold primarily at wholesale retailers.

Vague Warning Label?

There is a statutory warning on the can in question avoid storing it “on a stove” or “near a heat source” – language that might be viewed as a bit ambiguous or even vague. It will be interesting to see how this suit pans out, as it is still making its way through the courts and Conagra has yet to issue a recall, which might be seen as an admission of negligence.

Were You Harmed by a Dangerous Product?

As a consumer, you have the right to expect the products you buy are safe to use; at minimal, products should not cause harm, even if they don’t work as intended. That’s not always the case. Dozens of recalls are issued everyday in this country, and many companies forego recalls of dangerous products that hit the shelves in an effort to stave off possible litigation. If you or someone you love has been harmed by a dangerous product, our San Diego product liability attorney can help. Call Simpson Law Group now to schedule a free case consultation at 619-236-9696.

https://www.cnn.com/2019/05/07/business/conagra-lawsuits-exploding-cans-trnd/index.html

https://skillet.lifehacker.com/throw-out-old-canisters-of-PAM-immediately-1834614281