A consumer has filed a putative class action against Kraft Foods Group
Inc. alleging that the company’s fat-free cheese is mislabeled as “natural”
because it contains artificial or synthetic ingredients, including “artificial
color.” Quiñones-Gonzalez v. Kraft Foods Grp., Inc., No. 15-1892
(D.P.R., filed July 27, 2015). The plaintiff asserts that she relied on the
“natural” label to mean that the product, “at a minimum, has no artificial
ingredients or characteristics. The public is further led to believe the
Product will be healthier, safer and/or produced to a higher standard.”
She seeks class certification, an injunction, restitution and damages for
allegations of deceptive and unfair marketing and unjust enrichment. A
class was certified in June 2015 in a similar lawsuit pending in California
federal court; details about the ruling appear in Issue 570 of this Update.

 

Issue 573

About The Author

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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