A federal judge in New Jersey denied a motion by BJ’s Wholesale and Conagra Brands that had accused the plaintiff of fraudulently joining a New Jersey resident to the case in order to defeat diversity jurisdiction and prevent removal to federal court.

Yohanny Polanco-Mitarotonda alleged that she was injured in her home when a defective cooking spray ignited while she was using the product, according to the opinion. The plaintiff alleged that the can was manufactured by Conagra and sold by BJ’s, where Nicholas Segedin was employed as a store manager.