Florida Court Denies Motion to Dismiss Polluted Frozen Vegetable Suit

A Florida court has reportedly denied the motion to dismiss filed by organic
and natural foods grocery chain Whole Foods Market in a case alleging that
the company sold frozen vegetables harvested in a polluted area by the
forced labor of Chinese prisoners. Se. Consumer Alliance Inc. v. Whole Foods
Market Group Inc., No. 2009-92727-CA-01 (Fla. Cir. Ct., 11th Cir.) decided
April 20, 2011). The company purportedly certifies and sells the vegetables as organic. The plaintiffs, who are apparently seeking a declaration that the company violated deceptive marketing law, have twice amended their
complaint to bring new claims, including deceptive trade practices and
false advertising. Plaintiffs’ counsel Bruce Baldwin was quoted as saying,
“They’re the biggest organic retailer in America with the biggest certifier in
China working for them. They knew, but they kept selling the Chinese frozen
vegetables as if there was no problem at all.” See Law360, April 21, 2011.