Oxford Woman Discovers Dead Mice in AriZona Beverage Can, Sues Manufacturer for Negligence and Emotional Distress

Case of Disturbing Discovery in Oxford: Woman Finds Dead Mice in AriZona Can

Oxford, MS – A local woman is suing a beverage manufacturer after a shocking incident involving a canned drink that left her feeling horrified and traumatized. The event unfolded when Shannon Sellers was enjoying an AriZona Arnold Palmer Lite beverage during a departmental meeting at her workplace on May 1. What started as an ordinary day quickly turned into a nightmare for Sellers.

Unsettling Discovery

According to her account, Sellers opened the can and immediately noticed it felt unusually heavy. At first, she dismissed it, thinking the drink might be done, but as she attempted to take more sips, nothing came out. This prompted her to investigate further. “I tilted the can, and that’s when I saw something at the bottom,” she recalled. As she brought the can closer to her face, she was met with an unimaginable sight—a rodent paw emerged from the top of the can.

Overcome with disgust, Sellers said she became nauseated and rushed to the restroom to vomit. “I was crying. It was absolutely horrific,” she expressed, adding that the experience left her feeling anxious and traumatized. Seeking medical attention, she took the can with her to a doctor’s visit, where it was confirmed that there were actually two dead mice inside the container.

Aftermath of the Incident

Following the shocking revelation, Sellers faced significant emotional and physical distress. She reported taking two days off work due to nausea and anxiety. “I felt so disgusted. I struggled to eat or drink for several days,” she shared. The disturbing experience has since altered her relationship with food and beverages. “I still feel on edge every time I drink from a sealed container,” she added.

Legal Action Taken

In January 2024, Sellers decided to file a lawsuit against the drink’s manufacturer, US Beverage Packers, LLC, based in New Jersey. She claims negligence in the production and bottling of the drinks, as well as product liability and breach of warranties that implied the safety of the beverage. The suit was lodged in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Mississippi in Oxford.

A Pattern of Complaints

During the discovery process of the lawsuit, evidence suggested that Sellers was not alone in her experience. The manufacturer reported receiving 79 pages of consumer complaints that indicated similar disturbing findings involving rodents in their drinks. These complaints are said to have originated from various regions, including the Eastern United States, the Midwest, and the South.

Lingering Effects

Even more than a year later, Sellers continues to struggle with the implications of her experience. She mentioned that consuming food or drinks she had on the day of the incident is still a source of anxiety for her. “It’s so embarrassing,” she said, reflecting on the lasting impact of her horrifying discovery. “The fear of finding something dead in a sealed container is always there; it’s exhausting.”

Community Response

The story has raised concerns among local residents about food safety and quality control in beverage manufacturing. As cases like these garner attention, consumers are urged to remain vigilant and report any unsatisfactory experiences with food products.

As this case moves forward in court, many are left wondering how such a deeply unsettling event could happen and what measures will be taken to ensure the safety of products in the future.