“All Natural” Snack Foods Targeted in Florida Class Action
A Florida resident has filed a putative statewide and nationwide class action against the Snack Factory, LLC, alleging that it deceptively represents that its Pretzel Crisps are “All Natural” despite including “unnatural, synthetic, and/or artificial ingredients, including but not limited to maltodextrin and soybean oil.” Seidman v. Snack Factory, LLC, No. 14-62547 (S.D. Fla., filed November 7, 2014). The plaintiff asserts claims as to a number of flavor varieties, some of which also contain the “unnatural” ingredients dextrose and caramel color.
The plaintiff contends that he and class members paid a price premium for the product “over and above other comparable products that do not claim to be ‘All Natural,’” relying on the product labels to their economic detriment. The complaint specifies in what way the ingredients are not natural, including that some are derived from genetically modified organisms. Alleging violation of Florida’s Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act, negligent misrepresentation, breach of express warranty, violation of the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, and unjust enrichment, the plaintiff seeks declaratory and injunctive relief, restitution, actual damages, attorney’s fees, and costs.
Issue 545
