Tag: labeling
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Maple Syrup Industry Taps FDA for Action on Allegedly Misbranded Products
Led by the Vermont Maple Sugar Makers’ Association (VMSMA), the maple syrup industry has penned a February 15, 2016, letter asking the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to take enforcement action “concerning misrepresentative labeling of food products whose labels incorrectly indicate the presence of maple syrup.” The signatories—which include the International Maple Syrup Institute…
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Ohio Court Affirms Dismissal of Kroger “Humanely Raised” Chicken Dispute
An Ohio appeals court has affirmed a lower court decision finding that two consumers’ mislabeling allegations against The Kroger Co. are preempted by the Poultry Products Inspection Act (PPIA). Arnold v. Kroger Co., No. C-150291 (Ohio Ct. App., 1st App. D., Hamilton Cty., order entered January 22, 2016). The consumers alleged Kroger’s chickens were not…
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Russian MP Proposes “Graphic” Warning Labels on “Junk Food” and Fast-Food Packaging
Russian MP Oleg Mikheyev has reportedly asked the government to require “graphic warning labels” on fast-food packaging in an effort to stop the spread of obesity and improve the health of Russian citizens. Mikheyev, who previously proposed a tax on “junk food,” also argued that producers of food products such as potato chips or soft…
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Consumers Union Campaign Hopes to Elicit FDA Action on “Natural”
An online campaign launched by Consumers Union asks, “Have you ever quickly selected one box of crackers over another because the box said it was ‘natural’? Food companies know you probably have. They also know they can slap the word ‘natural’ on just about anything.” The advocacy group urges consumers to sign its petition urging…
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Whole Foods Reaches Deal in Price-Labeling Suit
Whole Foods and a consumer have reached an agreement in a lawsuit alleging the company misrepresented the prices of its products before the point of purchase. Burgos v. Whole Foods Mkt. Grp., No. 15-7357 (D.N.J., stipulation filed January 20, 2016). The plaintiff alleged that some of Whole Foods’ price displays failed to meet the state’s…
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Warning Labels Linked to Reduction in SSB Purchases
A new study suggests that warning labels on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) could dissuade parents from purchasing these products for children. Christina A. Roberto, et al., “The Influence of Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Health Warning Labels on Parents’ Choices,” Pediatrics, February 2016. Based on research involving tobacco warning labels, the study aimed to determine if SSB warning labels…
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Olive Oil Class Voluntarily Dismisses “Extra Virgin” Claims to Pursue “Made in Italy” False Ad Allegations
A California federal court has allowed plaintiffs in a false advertising putative class action to dismiss their claims of fraud based on the “extra virgin” quality of Filippo Berio olive oil in favor of pursuing their allegations that the products are falsely labeled as “made in Italy.” Kumar v. Salov N. Am. Corp., No. 14-2411…
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“Made in USA” Lawsuits Filed Against Rockstar, Heinz
A plaintiff has filed two similar lawsuits against H.J. Heinz Co. and Rockstar, Inc. alleging the companies’ products wrongfully bear “Made in the USA” label claims because they contain “foreign ingredients.” Alaei v. Rockstar, Inc., No. 15-2959 (S.D. Cal., filed December 31, 2015); Alaei v. H.J. Heinz Co., No. 15-2961 (S.D. Cal., filed December 31,…