Lawsuit over 'exploding' Aldi turkey burger settled

A Wilkinsburg woman who sued Aldi after being burned by a turkey burger that she said exploded as she cooked it has settled a lawsuit against the German grocery chain, her attorney said.

Terms of the settlement were not disclosed. Pittsburgh attorney Anthony Giannetti, who represented Wilkinsburg resident Gloria Besley, declined comment, saying the settlement was confidential.

Aldi could not be reached for comment.

Besley filed the personal injury lawsuit in Allegheny County in January 2019 after being burned by a Kirkwood turkey burger that she said exploded as she cooked it. The lawsuit accused Aldi of negligence in allowing the turkey burgers to be sold without warnings about burn risks.

Besley bought the frozen burgers at a Pittsburgh Aldi store in July 2018 and decided to cook one Aug. 19, the lawsuit said. She followed the “to fry” instructions, placing one frozen patty in a small amount of vegetable oil in a pre-heated skillet.

The burger “exploded,” causing second-degree burns and scarring to both hands and forearms, the lawsuit said.

Besley was asking for damages in excess of $35,000.