Kraft Heinz Faces Class Action Lawsuit Over Mac and Cheese Labeling Claims
Source: DairyNews.today
Kraft Heinz Co. is facing a potential nationwide class action lawsuit over its labeling of Kraft Macaroni & Cheese, with consumers alleging the claim of "no artificial preservatives" is misleading and fraudulent.
The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, accuses Kraft Heinz of using synthetic ingredients, including citric acid and sodium phosphates, which plaintiffs argue function as preservatives.
Allegations of Misrepresentation
Plaintiffs David Hayes, Kamilah Galbreth, and Taylor Ambroisno, representing consumers in Illinois, California, and New York, claim the product's labeling misled buyers into believing it was free from artificial preservatives. They allege that the synthetic citric acid used in the product is derived from Aspergillus niger, a type of black mold, and is widely recognized as a preservative.
Additionally, the plaintiffs argue that sodium phosphates, commonly used as preservatives in processed foods, are artificially synthesized and do not naturally occur in pure form.
The lawsuit accuses Kraft Heinz of common fraud, unjust enrichment, and violations of state consumer protection laws. The plaintiffs seek monetary damages and a court order to prevent the company from continuing its current labeling practices.
Court Rulings
Kraft Heinz responded with a motion to dismiss, which U.S. District Judge Mary Rowland partially granted. While the court found the plaintiffs' claims about the artificial nature and preservative function of the ingredients to be plausible, it rejected their request for injunctive relief.
Judge Rowland ruled that the plaintiffs, being aware of the alleged artificial ingredients, could not demonstrate a risk of future harm necessary to seek injunctive relief. The lawsuit will proceed with claims related to consumer protection and unjust enrichment.
Kraft Heinz defended its product in a statement to media outlet FoodBev, saying:
“Generations of families have enjoyed Kraft Macaroni & Cheese, which contains no artificial flavors, preservatives or dyes. We stand fully behind our product and are proud of its quality. We strongly believe that this lawsuit has no merit and look forward to our day in court.”
Allegations of Misrepresentation
Plaintiffs David Hayes, Kamilah Galbreth, and Taylor Ambroisno, representing consumers in Illinois, California, and New York, claim the product's labeling misled buyers into believing it was free from artificial preservatives. They allege that the synthetic citric acid used in the product is derived from Aspergillus niger, a type of black mold, and is widely recognized as a preservative.
Additionally, the plaintiffs argue that sodium phosphates, commonly used as preservatives in processed foods, are artificially synthesized and do not naturally occur in pure form.
The lawsuit accuses Kraft Heinz of common fraud, unjust enrichment, and violations of state consumer protection laws. The plaintiffs seek monetary damages and a court order to prevent the company from continuing its current labeling practices.
Court Rulings
Kraft Heinz responded with a motion to dismiss, which U.S. District Judge Mary Rowland partially granted. While the court found the plaintiffs' claims about the artificial nature and preservative function of the ingredients to be plausible, it rejected their request for injunctive relief.
Judge Rowland ruled that the plaintiffs, being aware of the alleged artificial ingredients, could not demonstrate a risk of future harm necessary to seek injunctive relief. The lawsuit will proceed with claims related to consumer protection and unjust enrichment.
Kraft Heinz defended its product in a statement to media outlet FoodBev, saying:
“Generations of families have enjoyed Kraft Macaroni & Cheese, which contains no artificial flavors, preservatives or dyes. We stand fully behind our product and are proud of its quality. We strongly believe that this lawsuit has no merit and look forward to our day in court.”
