TROPICANA CALCIUM OJ SEE PHOTO – Product Liability Lawyer

2026-03-06 – A 73-year-old consumer reported a laceration injury after a pull-tab on a 64-ounce container of Tropicana Calcium Orange Juice fractured during normal opening. The incident, filed with the CPSC SaferProducts database (Report ID 5908264), highlights a design defect in the container's sealing mechanism that can cause deep cuts.

Product Details

Brand Name: Tropicana Calcium Orange Juice (64 oz)
Manufacturer: Tropicana
Retailer: Priceright, Buffalo NY
Incident Report Number: 5908264
Severity Type Name: Emergency Department Treatment Received
Severity Type ID: 9

Incident Overview

On February 13, 2026, a 73-year-old consumer purchased a 64-ounce container of Tropicana Calcium Orange Juice from a Priceright store in Buffalo, New York. Later, while attempting to open the container by pulling the plastic pull-tab, the tab was so difficult to lift that it sliced the consumer's right index finger at the top joint. The tab broke at the end, causing it to cut deeper into the finger. The consumer has been changing bandages and using ice to manage pain, but the finger continues to throb and is difficult to move. The consumer planned to go to the hospital on Monday for an X-ray.

The consumer contacted Tropicana multiple times and sent a complaint with photos through the company's website. After several days and numerous calls, a consumer care representative called back on February 13, 2026. The representative claimed she had not received the prior complaint, offered to send coupons, and initially agreed to provide an email address to receive photos. However, after hours of waiting and additional calls, she refused to comply. The consumer noted that many other complaints about the pull-tab design have been made, and Tropicana has refused to change the tab to a screw-top closure. According to the CPSC report (https://www.saferproducts.gov/PublicSearch/Detail?ReportId=5908264), the incident involved a design defect: the pull-tab mechanism fractures under normal opening force.

Safety Concerns

Immediate Dangers: The pull-tab mechanism, when subjected to normal opening force, can fracture and create sharp, jagged edges. This can result in deep lacerations to fingers or hands, as seen in this incident where the broken tab cut into the joint, potentially involving tendons or nerves.

Long-Term Risks: Deep lacerations to finger joints carry risks of infection, scarring, and reduced mobility. If not properly treated, nerve damage or tendon injury could lead to chronic pain or loss of function.

Who Might Be Affected: The hazard primarily affects consumers who open the container themselves. The elderly, who may have reduced grip strength, are particularly at risk as they may need to apply greater force, increasing the likelihood of tab fracture.

Environmental Triggers: The risk is exacerbated when the tab is difficult to pull, often due to a tight seal or material weakness. The design defect is inherent to the pull-tab mechanism, which differs from a screw-top closure that distributes force evenly and does not create sharp edges when opened.

What Our Clients Say

What Consumers Should Do

Stop Using Immediately: If you have a Tropicana Calcium Orange Juice container with a plastic pull-tab, do not attempt to open it. The tab may fracture and cause injury.
Preserve the Product: Keep the container, packaging, and any broken pieces in a safe place. This evidence may be important for future claims or investigations.
Document the Incident: Take clear photos of the injury, the broken tab, and the product. Write down the date, time, and circumstances of the incident.
Seek Medical Attention: If you are cut by a broken tab, seek medical care promptly. Deep cuts may require stitches, X-rays, or evaluation for nerve or tendon damage.
Contact the Manufacturer: Report the incident to Tropicana at 800-237-7799 and request written acknowledgment. Keep a record of all communications.
Report to the CPSC: File a report at SaferProducts.gov to help regulators identify patterns of defects.
Check for Recalls: Visit CPSC.gov to see if any recall has been issued for this product.

Consumers who have suffered injury or property damage from this product may wish to speak with a product liability attorney to discuss their legal options.

Manufacturer's Response

According to the incident narrative, Tropicana's consumer care representative offered to send coupons but refused to provide an email address to receive photos of the injury and damaged product. The representative also stated she had not received the consumer's prior complaint submitted through the website. The manufacturer did not acknowledge any prior complaints about the pull-tab design.

Legal Help Available

H Law Group is a California-based product liability law firm dedicated to helping consumers injured by defective products. We handle cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Our team offers free, no-obligation consultations to discuss your case and explore your legal options. If you or a loved one was injured by Tropicana Calcium Orange Juice or a similar product, contact H Law Group at (888) 499-4948 for a free, no-obligation consultation.