Former Starbucks Executive Sues Over Firing After Safety Warnings

Lawsuit claims Janice Waszak was pushed out after refusing to alter reports on faulty drink equipment

Feb. 4, 2026 at 1:31am

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A former Starbucks executive has filed a lawsuit claiming she was fired after raising concerns about new in-store drink-making equipment that she believed was dangerous and defective. Janice Waszak, who worked at Starbucks for nearly 20 years, says she was pressured to alter testing reports on the "Siren System" equipment but refused, leading to her termination in December 2023.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges companies can face when balancing innovation and safety, as well as the risks employees may take on when they speak up about potential issues. Starbucks has faced scrutiny over workplace culture and policies in the past, and this lawsuit could further damage the company's reputation if the allegations are proven true.

The details

According to the lawsuit, Waszak discovered maggots in a Siren milk dispenser due to poor design, and a Siren machine also allegedly caught fire due to a manufacturing defect. Waszak says she raised these concerns internally, but leadership failed to act. She also claims she was pressured to alter negative findings in testing reports, which she refused to do. Despite a final report concluding the Siren System required more development, Starbucks allegedly moved forward with expanding the equipment in early 2024. Four days after Waszak filed an ethics complaint, she was fired for being "overly critical and unprofessional."

  • In October 2022, Waszak discovered maggots inside a Siren milk dispenser.
  • In September 2023, a Siren machine allegedly caught fire due to a manufacturing defect.
  • On December 7, 2023, Waszak filed an ethics complaint about the issues.
  • On December 11, 2023, Waszak was fired from Starbucks.

The players

Janice Waszak

A former Starbucks executive who worked at the company for nearly 20 years, most recently as the Director of Concept Innovation overseeing product and equipment testing.

Starbucks

The multinational coffee company that Waszak is suing, alleging she was fired for raising safety concerns about new in-store drink-making equipment called the "Siren System."

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What’s next

The lawsuit filed by Waszak against Starbucks is ongoing, and the court will determine whether the company acted appropriately in terminating her employment.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges companies can face when balancing innovation and safety, as well as the risks employees may take on when they speak up about potential issues. It also raises questions about Starbucks' workplace culture and policies, and whether the company prioritizes profits over the wellbeing of its employees and customers.