Consumers take Amazon to court over toxic rice scandal
Consumers have filed a class-action lawsuit against Amazon over rice containing dangerous substances. Research has revealed that products from well-known brands available in the USA contain heavy metals, including arsenic and mercury. The case has been brought to federal court in Seattle.
The class-action lawsuit filed in Seattle's federal court involves 18 types of rice sold on Amazon. Among them are products from well-known brands like Ben's Original and 365, owned by Whole Foods.
Rice with heavy metals: Consumers sue Amazon
The complaint, reported by the Reuters, highlights alarmingly high levels of heavy metals in these products.
Research conducted by the organization Healthy Babies, Bright Futures found arsenic in all 145 samples of rice purchased in the USA. A significant 28% of these samples exceeded the limits set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for infant rice. The samples also contained cadmium, lead, and mercury.
The lawsuit was filed by Ashley Wright and Merriman Blum, who claim they would not have purchased Iberia Basmati 100% Aged Original rice had they known about its contamination. They are seeking at least $5 million in damages for violating Washington state consumer protection laws.
"Amazon sold these rice products with alarmingly high levels of heavy metals to an intended consumer audience that includes children, with no warning whatsoever about the dangers of heavy metals," the complaint states.
The portal notes that exposure to heavy metals can lead to serious health issues, such as nervous system damage, weakened immunity, or kidney damage. In children, it may result in autism spectrum disorders and ADHD.
Amazon has not commented on the matter. Similar lawsuits have been filed against baby food and chocolate manufacturers.
