Raw Chicken Contains Excess Water, Plaintiff Alleges

A consumer has filed a putative class action alleging that Trader Joe’s Co. sells raw poultry products that contain more retained water than indicated on the package. Webb v. Trader Joe’s Co., No. 19-1587 (S.D. Cal., removed August 23, 2019). The complaint alleges that the retained water in some packaged poultry was found to be as much as 16% but labeled as a maximum of 5%. “Poultry products are sold by weight,” the plaintiff argues. “Excess Retained Water in the product unlawfully increases the price the consumer pays and decreases the value of the product, cheating the consumer.” The plaintiff asserts eight causes of action, including theft by false pretenses and unjust enrichment, and seeks class certification, restitution and damages.