Tag: California
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California Repeals Requirement That Food Handlers Wear Gloves
In a unanimous vote, the California Senate has voted to repeal a new provision in the health code requiring restaurant workers to wear gloves when handling food. The provision took effect in January 2014 throughout California with a compliance grace period set to end in July 2014. The measure was intended to curb foodborne illness,…
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California Assembly Rejects Senate Bill on Sugary Drink Warning Labels
A California Assembly committee has voted 8-7 against a bill (S.B. 1000), passed in May 2014 by the Senate, to require warnings on sugar sweetened beverages (SSBs) alerting consumers that “[d]rinking beverages with added sugar(s) contributes to obesity, diabetes, and tooth decay.” Those on the Assembly Health Committee opposing the measure were apparently concerned that…
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Claims About Pesticides in “100% Natural” Teas to Proceed
A federal court in California has denied the motion to dismiss filed by The Hain Celestial Group in four consolidated putative class actions alleging that the company deceives consumers by labeling and promoting 10 of its Celestial Seasonings® teas as “100% Natural” when they contain chemical insecticides, fungicides and herbicides. Von Slomski v. The Hain…
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Hot Sauce Nuisance Suit Dropped in California
According to a news source, the Irwindale City Council has decided to drop its public-nuisance declaration and lawsuit against Huy Fong Foods, the California-based company that makes the popular Sriracha hot sauce. Information about the dispute appears in Issue 520 of this Update. The company had asked for more time to address the odors emitted from…
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ADA Discrimination Putative Class Action Filed Against TGI Friday’s Franchisee
A wheelchair-bound plaintiff has reportedly filed a putative class action in California state court against the largest franchisee of TGI Friday’s, Briad Restaurant Group LLC, for alleged violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Hicks v. Briad Restaurants Grp. LLC, No. BC546927 (Cal. Super. Ct., Los Angeles Cty., filed May 28, 2014). Plaintiff, Chris…
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Alcohol Beverage Companies Resolve Prop. 65 Warnings Claims
A California court has approved the settlement of claims that alcohol beverage makers allegedly sold their products without providing warnings required under the state’s Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986 (Prop. 65). Bonilla v. Anheuser-Busch, LLC, No. BC537188 (Cal. Super. Ct., Los Angeles Cty., judgment entered May 30, 2014). Additional details about…
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Class Action Challenging Source of Restaurants’ “Kobe” Beef Settled
A California state trial court has approved the settlement agreement in a class action against Innovative Dining Group LLC (IDG), owner of the Boa Steakhouse and Sushi Roku chains, alleging that the restaurants falsely advertised their menu as containing Kobe beef. Hall v. Innovative Dining Grp. LLC, No. BC493144 (Cal. Super. Ct., Los Angeles Cty.,…
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Statewide Class Certification Granted in Almond Milk “All Natural” and ECJ Labeling Suit
A California federal court has certified a class of California consumers who allege that Blue Diamond Growers’ almond milk is mislabeled as “All Natural” and hides its added sugar content by listing “evaporated cane juice” (ECJ) on its label instead. Werdebaugh v. Blue Diamond Growers, No. 5:12-cv-2724 (N.D. Cal., order entered May 23, 2014). The…