A California resident has filed a putative class action against Campbell Soup Co. alleging that it falsely represents that some of its products are “100% Natural” when they in fact contain genetically modified organisms (GMOs) “in the form of soy, corn, soy derivatives, and or corn derivatives.” Barnes v. Campbell Soup Co., No. 12-05185 (N.D. Cal., filed October 5, 2012). Specifically targeted in the complaint are the company’s “100% Natural Southwest-Style White Chicken Chili” and “100% Natural Healthy Request® Mexican-Style Chicken Tortilla Soup.” The plaintiff alleges that he “would not have purchased the Products if he had known that the Defendant’s Products are not ‘100% Natural’ because they contain GMOs.”

Seeking to certify a statewide class of product purchasers, the plaintiff alleges
violations of California’s Unfair Competition Law, False Advertising Law and
Consumers Legal Remedies Act. He requests injunctive relief; restitution;
disgorgement; attorney’s fees; actual, statutory and punitive damages; costs;
and interest. He is represented by counsel from the Law Offices of Howard
Rubinstein, P.A, which has long been active in this type of consumer-fraud
litigation. Additional information about some of Howard Rubinstein’s other
cases appears in Issue 263 of this Update.

About The Author

For decades, manufacturers, distributors and retailers at every link in the food chain have come to Shook, Hardy & Bacon to partner with a legal team that understands the issues they face in today's evolving food production industry. Shook attorneys work with some of the world's largest food, beverage and agribusiness companies to establish preventative measures, conduct internal audits, develop public relations strategies, and advance tort reform initiatives.

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