15 July, 2008 - Three taste testers are to sue Cadbury's US company after claiming they were injured while sampling a new additive.
The trio of woman, all from New Jersey, further alleges Cadbury Adams made their injuries worse by delaying giving details of the ingredients to a dentist who treated them.
In their lawsuits, the women say they had various adverse reactions after tasting the substance. One said she felt her lip and tongue burning, while a second also reported a burning sensation in her mouth, swelling to her lower lip as well as a racing heartbeat. The third woman alleges injury to her lower lip and accelerated heartbeat.
They have accused the chocolate giant of causing them permanent injuries and failing to maintain a safe workplace.
It is reported that one of the tasters was sacked after complaining and the other two resigned because they said they felt unsafe.
The three tasters are said to be suing Cadbury’s for damages and medical expenses and are planning to take action against the employment agency that hired them for the job.
A Cadbury Adams spokesman said: “We take the health and safety of our colleagues very, very seriously and are sorry if they experienced any adverse reaction.
"We have not yet been served the papers but when we are, we will review them very carefully and take the appropriate action.”