Putative Class Action Targets Kellogg for Added Sugars

Four consumers have filed a putative class action alleging that Kellogg Sales Co. misleadingly markets its products as promoting health and wellness despite containing added sugars. DiGregorio v. Kellogg Sales Co., No. 19-0632 (N.D.N.Y., filed May 28, 2019). The complaint details studies about the health effects of sugars on the human body and argues that the “high amounts of added sugar” in Kellogg’s cereals and bars render regular consumption of the products as “likely to contribute to excess added sugar consumption, and, thereby, increased risk for and contraction of chronic disease.”

“Although Plaintiffs were the victims of Kellogg’s longtime and general policy and practice with respect to the cereals and snack bars they purchased and the labels they saw, this Complaint and their claims are not so limited; rather, plaintiffs seek through this lawsuit to enjoin Kellogg’s policy and practice generally, including but not necessarily limited to the products, labels, and label claims challenged herein,” the complaint asserts. The plaintiffs list 43 products they seek to enjoin Kellogg from claiming to promote health and wellness, including several Raisin Bran, Frosted Mini-Wheats and Nutri-Grain bar varieties. For alleged violations of New York’s consumer-protection statutes as well as negligent misrepresentation and fraud, the plaintiffs seek class certification, a corrective advertising campaign, an injunction, restitution and attorney’s fees.