News Summary
A Grand Rapids woman, McKenzie Cain, has filed a lawsuit against Monster Beverage Corp. after discovering a dead mouse in her can of Monster Energy drink. The lawsuit claims emotional distress and health risks due to the incident. Cain alleges that the presence of the mouse violates the implied warranty of merchantability under the UCC. The case raises significant concerns about food safety and quality control within the beverage industry as Cain seeks at least $25,000 in damages.
Grand Rapids – A woman from Grand Rapids is taking legal action against Monster Beverage Corp. after reportedly discovering a dead mouse in a can of Monster Energy drink. The lawsuit, which was initially filed in state court in September 2024, was subsequently moved to federal court on July 14, 2025, within the Western District of Michigan.
The plaintiff, McKenzie Cain, purchased the can of Monster Energy from a local Big Apple Bagels establishment in April 2024. Cain alleges that after drinking a portion of the beverage, she felt that the can was unusually heavy. Following this observation, she opened the can to find a dead mouse situated at the bottom.
Certain key allegations form the basis of Cain’s lawsuit, including claims of emotional distress, trauma, and physical illness caused by her experience. Specifically, she argues that the presence of a dead mouse in the drink constitutes a violation of the implied warranty of merchantability, which is defined under the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC). The UCC stipulates that products sold by merchants should be fit for consumption and free from defect.
Cain’s attorney, Zachary T. Runyan from the Runyan Law Group, has labeled the incident as not only disgusting but also dangerous due to the health risks posed by rodents. The lawsuit claims that Monster Beverage Corp. bears responsibility for failing to adequately inspect its products to ensure consumer safety.
In her legal claims, Cain posits that the product is inherently defective, arguing that the discovery of a dead mouse is a significant departure from what consumers rightfully expect of Monster Energy drinks. Following the traumatic incident, she has reportedly incurred medical expenses for counseling and treatment related to ongoing physical and emotional distress.
Cain is seeking damages of at least $25,000 plus interest, court costs, attorney fees, and any other relief deemed appropriate by the federal court. As her legal battle continues, Monster Beverage Corp. has yet to respond to inquiries about the lawsuit.
This case is noteworthy not only for the shocking nature of the claim but also because it highlights potential food safety issues within the beverage industry. It is not the first time Monster Energy has faced litigation related to similar complaints. A prior case in 2011 involved a man who accused Monster Energy of containing a mouse in his drink. That lawsuit was dismissed, with the company labeling it as frivolous.
The presence of a rodent in a food or beverage product raises significant questions about manufacturing and quality control processes. Such incidents can deeply affect consumer trust and raise public health concerns, amplifying the need for rigorous safety inspections in the food and beverage sector.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the outcome could set a precedent for similar cases in the future and impact the business operations of Monster Beverage Corp. and other companies within the beverage industry.
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Additional Resources
- WOOD TV: Lawsuit Grand Rapids Woman Found Dead Mouse in Monster Energy Drink
- USA Today: Monster Energy Dead Mouse Lawsuit
- Detroit News: Grand Rapids Woman Suing Monster Beverage After Finding Dead Mouse
- MLive: Woman Found Mouse in Monster Energy, Lawsuit Says
- Wikipedia: Food Safety
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Food Safety
Author: STAFF HERE GRANDRAPIDS WRITER
GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER The GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGrandRapids.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Grand Rapids, Kent County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as ArtPrize, Festival of the Arts, and World of Winter. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in furniture, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Steelcase, Spectrum Health, and Meijer. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
