Worker Sues Dr Pepper After Illness from New Line Shift

A Woman's Allegations Against a Dr Pepper Plant

A woman has come forward with serious allegations about her time working at a Dr Pepper plant, claiming that her health deteriorated significantly as a result of the conditions she faced. In a video that has garnered over 934,000 views on TikTok, the user @tacoraaaaaa shared her experience, detailing how her job at the facility led to multiple health issues.

She began working at the Dr Pepper plant in August 2022. Initially, things seemed to go smoothly, but her situation took a turn for the worse when she was moved to a different line in the following month. By October, she reported experiencing severe breathing difficulties and felt as though she might die on the production floor. The background of the video shows dark brown splotches on the line, which could be mold, mildew, biofilm, or dirt. She mentioned using an asthma pump due to her condition and believed she was in life-threatening danger.

Her health continued to decline, leading her to seek medical attention. Upon arriving at the first hospital, she was told that if she had not come sooner, she might have died. The doctor explained that the prednisone prescribed for her asthma was making her condition worse. This prompted her to undergo surgery for a lung biopsy, which initially suggested she might have lung cancer. However, after further testing, it was determined that she had a severe lung infection requiring three months of antibiotics.

For the next three months, she experienced intense coughing, expelling green and black substances from her lungs, which she described as the worst time of her life. Months later, she encountered another incident when one of her headphones fell into a brown, clumpy substance near her workstation. After cleaning it and using it again, she developed pericarditis, requiring heart medication and time off work.

Upon returning to work, she realized that her health issues were likely linked to the conditions at the plant. She attempted to bring up these concerns with management, but she claims they denied any wrongdoing and dismissed her concerns. She also alleged that the FDA had visited the facility in 2024 and found that surfaces were not being cleaned properly. Additionally, she claimed to have faced other workplace issues, including being recorded by a supervisor and subjected to racist remarks.

Health Risks in the Workplace

While some may question the validity of her claims, it is possible for individuals to contract illnesses from their workplace. There are documented cases of people developing pneumonia due to workplace conditions, with bacteria, mold, and fungi being common culprits for occupational lung issues.

Regarding her headphone incident, the connection between this and her pericarditis is not definitive without more information. According to the Cleveland Clinic, the cause of pericarditis is unknown in up to 90% of cases. However, a recent infection, such as the lung infection she experienced, can increase the risk of developing pericarditis.

Public Reaction and Support

Viewers of the video expressed strong support for the TikToker, criticizing the apparent state of the bottling plant. One commenter claimed to have worked as a lead sanitation tech at a Dr Pepper location and described the machine in the video as a “warmer,” which requires proper cleaning and draining to prevent mold growth. Another viewer shared that they have a mold allergy and noticed throat closure when drinking Dr Pepper, now believing it to be related to the plant’s conditions. A third comment highlighted the broader issue of processed food in the U.S., suggesting that such problems are not unique to Dr Pepper.

The Mary Sue reached out to Keurig Dr Pepper via email and @tacoraaaaaa via TikTok direct message and comment, seeking further clarification on the allegations.