Alabama consumers who purchased Clover Valley Instant Coffee from Dollar General stores should check their pantries immediately.
The discount retail chain has initiated a nationwide recall affecting products distributed throughout Alabama between July 9 and July 21, 2025.
This recall represents a serious health concern that could impact thousands of Alabama families who regularly shop at Dollar General locations across the state.
The Danger: Glass Contamination
The recall was triggered after a customer discovered glass fragments in their coffee product. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns that consuming glass pieces poses serious health risks, including potential damage to the mouth, throat, teeth, and digestive system.
Even small glass fragments can cause lacerations to soft tissue, leading to internal bleeding and the need for emergency medical intervention.
While no injuries have been reported yet, the risk remains significant for anyone who purchased the affected products.
Products Affected
The recall specifically targets eight-ounce packages of Clover Valley Instant Coffee with these identifying marks:
- Lot L-5163 with a best-by date of December 13, 2026.
- Lot L-5164 with a best-by date of December 13, 2026.
- Lot L-5165 with a best-by date of December 14, 2026.
These lot numbers and dates can be found printed on the product packaging. The contaminated products were distributed across 48 states through Dollar General's extensive retail network, which includes hundreds of locations throughout Alabama.
What Alabama Consumers Should Do
If you have purchased Clover Valley Instant Coffee recently, take these immediate steps:
- Check your coffee packages for the lot numbers and best by dates listed above.
- Stop using the product immediately if it matches the recall criteria.
- Return the product to your local Dollar General for a full refund.
- Seek medical attention if you've consumed the product and experience any unusual symptoms.
- Document everythi,ng including the product packaging, receipts, and any medical treatment.
Your Legal Rights as a Consumer
Product contamination cases like this highlight the importance of consumer protection laws. When manufacturers and retailers sell products that cause harm, they may be held liable for injuries and damages under product liability law.
Alabama consumers who suffer injuries from contaminated products have the right to seek compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other damages.
In cases involving contaminated food products, courts often apply strict liability standards, meaning injured consumers don't necessarily have to prove negligence – only that the product was defective and caused injury.
This legal framework exists to protect consumers and ensure companies maintain proper quality control standards.
The Scope of the Problem
Dollar General's significant presence in rural and underserved communities makes this recall particularly concerning, as these stores often serve as primary grocery sources for many Alabama families.
The widespread distribution means potentially thousands of contaminated units could be in Alabama homes right now.
Glass contamination is particularly dangerous because:
- It's often colorless and difficult to detect.
- Sharp edges can cause immediate trauma.
- Small pieces can perforate internal organs.
- Injuries may not manifest immediately.
- Children and elderly consumers are especially vulnerable.
This type of contamination suggests a breakdown in the production or packaging process that should have been caught by proper safety protocols.
Manufacturing facilities are required to implement safety systems specifically designed to prevent this type of contamination.
Protecting Your Family
Food safety recalls serve as crucial reminders to stay vigilant about the products we bring into our homes. Always keep receipts for food purchases, as they can be vital if you need to prove purchase of a recalled item or pursue a claim for injuries.
Sign up for FDA recall alerts and regularly check their database to stay informed about dangerous products.
Before consuming any food product, especially those from discount retailers, conduct a visual inspection. Look for any signs of tampering, unusual particles, or contamination.
If you discover a potentially dangerous product, report it to both the retailer and the FDA – your report could prevent injuries to other consumers.
When to Seek Legal Help
If you or a family member has been injured by consuming contaminated food products, it's crucial to act quickly.
Document everything related to the incident:
- The product packaging and any remaining product.
- Purchase receipts or bank statements.
- Photographs of the product and lot numbers.
- Medical records and bills.
- Documentation of missed work.
- A detailed account of when and how the injury occurred.
These cases often involve complex product liability laws. Product liability attorneys can investigate the source of contamination, identify all potentially liable parties, and work with experts to build a strong case for compensation.
Remember, companies have a responsibility to ensure their products are safe for consumption. When they fail in this duty, they should be held accountable for the harm they cause.
This accountability not only provides justice for injured individuals but also encourages companies to maintain higher safety standards.
Let Justice Roll
If you or a loved one has been injured by contaminated food products or any other defective consumer goods, our attorneys here at Baxley Maniscalco are here to help.
Our experienced product liability team understands the complexities of these cases and fights tirelessly to ensure our clients receive the compensation they deserve.
We offer free consultations to evaluate your injury case and explain your legal options. There's no obligation, and we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don't pay unless we win your case.
Don't wait to seek legal help if you've been injured. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.
Your safety and your family's well-being are our top priorities, and we're committed to holding negligent companies accountable for the harm they cause to Alabama consumers.