Dole Targeted with “Greenwashing” Class Action

A putative class action alleging that Dole Food Co. misleads consumers by
claiming it is an environmentally friendly and socially responsible company
despite purportedly purchasing bananas from growers using pesticides in
Guatemala has reportedly been filed in a California federal court. According to
a Hagens Berman news release, the suit, filed on November 13, 2012, alleges
that Dole’s supplier destroyed wetlands and poisoned water sources. Steve
Berman said, “Dole promised its customers it had an ‘unwavering commitment’
to environmental responsibility. Yet, it gave its business to a plantation
that showed a complete disregard for the local environment.” See Hagens
Berman Press Release, November 13, 2012.