Ex-Meat Cutter Files $15 Million Suit Against Whole Foods

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- A former meat cutter at a Whole Foods in Westport is suing the grocery chain for allegedly firing him after he complained to higher-ups that the store was selling tainted meat.

The $15 million lawsuit, filed by Angel Figueroa, 44, in Bridgeport Superior Court, claims that Figueroa was fired one day after filing a complaint against Whole Foods with the local health department, according to The Connecticut Post.

Westport-Weston Health District officials confirmed that the office inspected Whole Foods' Westport location in response to Figueroa's complaint on Jan. 20 but no violations were found.

Figueroa claims in the suit that he saw Whole Foods workers thawing chicken at room temperature -- which is a violation of health regulations, the Post reported. The lawsuit alleges staff members were not following accepted hygienic practices and that the store knowingly sold spoiled meats.

Spokesman Michael Sinatra says Whole Foods "vehemently denies the allegations.''

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