Heinz Frozen Tater Tots and Fries Contain Trans Fats, Putative Class Action Alleges

A consumer has filed a putative class action against H.J. Heinz Co.
alleging that the company’s frozen microwave French fries and tater tots
contain partially hydrogenated oil (PHO), which contains artificial trans
fat, despite packaging that indicates the products contain “0g trans fat.”
Backus v. H.J. Heinz Co., No. 15-2738 (N.D. Cal., filed June 18, 2015).
The complaint asserts that any intake of trans fat is unsafe and cites the
U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s June 16, 2015, final determination
that PHOs are not generally recognized as safe for any human food.
The complaint further argues that the artificial trans fats in PHO cause
several medical conditions such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes
and Alzheimer’s disease. The plaintiff alleges violations of California
unfair competition, false advertising and consumer legal remedies
statutes and seeks class certification, damages, disgorgement of benefits,
an injunction, and attorney’s fees.

Issue 569