Two proposed class actions have been filed in California claiming false labeling of truffle­-flavored olive oil. Schiffman v. Urbani Truffles, No. 17­-935 (E.D. Cal., filed May 3, 2017); Quiroz v. Sabatino Truffles, No. 17­-783 (C.D. Cal., filed May 3, 2017). The plaintiffs argue that the olive oil producers add 2,4 ­dithiapentane to flavor their products instead of truffles and sell the “truffle infusions” at markups as high as 1,400 percent over the price of plain olive oils. The actions claim violations of the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act and state consumer ­protection laws. Details on similar lawsuits in New York appear in Issue 633 of this Update.

Issue 634

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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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