Clearwater, FL — Dangerous Coffee Recall Puts Florida Shoppers at Risk

Florida coffee drinkers are urged to check their pantries after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a nationwide recall of Clover Valley Instant Coffee. The recall of the instant coffee was prompted after a consumer reported finding glass fragments in a jar of the product.

The affected coffee, sold exclusively at Dollar General, was distributed across 48 states, including Florida, between July 9th and July 21st, 2025. While there have been no confirmed injuries, even the smallest shard of glass can cause significant harm.

If you or a loved one in Florida suffered injuries after drinking a recalled coffee product, you may have the right to pursue compensation for your medical bills, lost income, and other damages. A Clearwater product liability lawyer can help you understand your legal options and fight for the recovery you deserve. 

To discuss your options, contact our team at Light & Wyatt Law Group today at 727-499-9900.

Why Is Glass in Coffee More Than a Minor Risk?

Glass contamination in food and drink is a serious safety hazard. Unlike other recall triggers, such as labeling errors or undeclared allergens, glass can cause immediate and severe physical injury. Even a small fragment can chip or crack a tooth, slice into soft tissue in the mouth or throat, or puncture the digestive tract. Internal injuries of this kind often require urgent medical intervention and may lead to lasting complications.

What makes this recall particularly concerning is that coffee is consumed as a liquid. As such, it’s nearly impossible to detect a fragment once the powder has been mixed with water. A consumer could ingest glass without realizing it until symptoms begin to appear, which may be hours after consumption.

How to Identify the Recalled Coffee

If you have instant coffee from Dollar General in your pantry, check the packaging closely. The recall applies only to 8-ounce jars of Clover Valley Instant Coffee with lot numbers L-5163, L-5164, or L-5165, UPC 876941004069, and best-by dates of December 13 or 14, 2026.

Consumers who find matching products should not consume them. Dollar General is offering refunds and can be reached by email at customercare@dollargeneral.com or by phone at 1-888-309-9030 between 6 a.m. and 1 a.m. CST.

What Florida Consumers Should Do If They’re Affected

The first priority is safety. If you have one of the recalled jars, it should be disposed of or returned to the store. If you believe you may have ingested glass or experienced an injury, seek medical attention immediately. Medical evaluation is critical because internal injuries are not always immediately apparent and can worsen without treatment.

Preserving evidence is also important. Keep the coffee jar, lid, packaging, and receipt, as these items can help establish a connection between your injury and the recalled product. Document your symptoms, any medical visits, and related expenses. These records can be essential if you decide to pursue a legal claim.

Florida Law and Product Liability in Contamination Cases

Florida’s product liability laws are designed to protect consumers from defective or dangerous products. When an item leaves the manufacturer’s control in an unsafe condition and causes injury, multiple parties along the distribution chain—manufacturers, suppliers, and retailers—can be held accountable.

Contamination cases like this fall under the category of manufacturing defects. If glass fragments entered the coffee during production or packaging, it is likely evidence of a breakdown in the quality control process. Beyond manufacturing errors, companies also have a duty to warn consumers of known hazards promptly and effectively.

Florida’s Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act (FDUTPA) also comes into play. This law prohibits the sale of products that pose a danger to consumers and holds companies responsible for failing to take reasonable steps to protect public safety.

Who Could Be Held Liable

While Dollar General is the retailer, liability may extend beyond them. The manufacturer of Clover Valley Instant Coffee could be held responsible if the contamination occurred during production. Packaging suppliers might be implicated if the glass originated from defective jars or equipment. Distributors and other entities in the supply chain could also face legal exposure if their actions contributed to the contamination.

Compensation Available Under Florida Law

Florida residents who have been injured by contaminated coffee may be entitled to recover damages. Compensation can include medical expenses such as hospital visits, diagnostic testing, and surgical procedures. It can also extend to lost wages if you are unable to work during recovery, as well as compensation for pain and suffering.

In cases where a company’s conduct is found to be especially reckless, such as ignoring safety warnings or delaying a recall, Florida courts may award punitive damages. These are intended not just to compensate the victim. Rather, punitive damages aim to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future.

Time Limits on Filing a Claim

Florida’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims related to product liability is generally two years from the date of the injury. That means it is important to act quickly. Waiting too long could mean losing the right to pursue a claim, regardless of the strength of your case.

Comparative Negligence in Florida

Florida follows a pure comparative negligence rule. Even if a consumer bears some responsibility for their injury, such as continuing to consume the product after noticing something unusual, they may still recover damages. The award would simply be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to them. A dedicated Clearwater defective products lawyer may help consumers understand if comparative fault might play a role in their cases.

Speak With a Clearwater Product Liability Lawyer About Your Coffee Recall Injury

A recalled coffee drink should never have made it into your hands, let alone your body. If you were harmed by this nationwide coffee recall in Florida, you don’t have to face the consequences alone.

The legal team at Light & Wyatt Law Group has the experience and resources to take on major corporations and their insurers. We investigate thoroughly, gather the evidence needed to prove your claim, and fight for the maximum compensation available under Florida law.

Call Light & Wyatt Law Group today at 727-499-9900 to schedule your free consultation. We proudly serve Clearwater, Tampa Bay, and communities across Florida.

Jim Magazine

James (Jim) Magazine is a Florida Board Certified Civil Trial lawyer who has spent his career helping injured victims. Jim is licensed to practice law in the State of Florida since 1990 and is also admitted to practice at the Appellate level and admitted to the United States Supreme Court.

Years of Experience: More than 30 years
Florida Registration Status: Active
Bar Admissions:
Clearwater Bar Association
West Pasco Bar Association