Tag: labeling

  • FDA Will Not Say If GM Ingredients Are “Natural”

    In a January 6, 2014, letter, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) responded to three federal courts that stayed litigation involving whether food companies deceive consumers by labeling products with genetically modified (GM) ingredients as “natural,” stating that it would not make a determination on the issue to resolve a private litigation-related request. Cox v.…

  • Twinings Prevails on Health-Based Allegations for Its Tea Products

    A federal court in California has granted in part the motion for summary judgment filed by Twinings North America in a putative class action alleging that the company misbrands its tea products by stating that they are a “Natural Source of Antioxidants” and “a natural source of protective antioxidants.” Lanovaz v. Twinings N. Am., Inc.,…

  • Bumble Bee Tuna Labeling Suit Trimmed

    A federal court in California has granted in part the motion for summary judgment filed by Bumble Bee Foods in a putative class action alleging that certain labeling claims either deceived consumers or violate state and federal law. Ogden v. Bumble Bee Foods, LLC, No. 12 1828 (N.D. Cal., order entered January 2, 2014). Information about…

  • Maine Governor Signs GM Labeling Bill

    Maine Gov. Paul LePage (R) has signed a bill (L.D. 718) that will require labeling for foods containing genetically modified (GM) ingredients if at least five other states or a state with a population of at least 20 million passes similar legislation. Restaurants will be exempt from the disclosure requirements, and alcoholic beverages and medical…

  • EC Issues Report on Meat Ingredient Origin Labeling

    The European Commission (EC) has published a report titled “Origin labelling for meat used as an ingredient: consumers’ attitude, feasibility of possible scenarios and impacts” that provides an overview of the potential consequences of mandatory origin labeling of meat used as an ingredient in food. Based on an independent study completed in July 2013, the…

  • Court Allows EJC Claim Amendment

    In a putative class action against Amy’s Kitchen, a federal court in California has dismissed with leave to amend claims that the company has mislabeled its products by listing “evaporated cane juice” (ECJ) or “organic evaporated cane juice” as an ingredient. Figy v. Amy’s Kitchen, Inc., No. 13-3816 (N.D. Cal., order entered November 25, 2013).…

  • New York Lawmaker Reintroduces Trans Fat Labeling Bill

    Rep. Steve Israel (D-N.Y.) has reintroduced a bill (H.R. 3612) that would require clearer labeling of trans fat on food packaging. The move follows the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s recent preliminary determination that partially hydrogenated oils, a major source of artificial trans fat in processed foods, are not deemed generally recognized as safe (GRAS)…

  • D.C. Court Dismisses Part of “Extra Virgin” Olive Oil Consumer-Fraud Suit

    A District of Columbia court has determined that a plaintiff who purchased a bottle of Pompeian-brand extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) after learning that testing done in 2010 and 2011 concluded that certain EVOO brands did not satisfy U.S. and international EVOO standards has standing to bring certain consumer-fraud claims despite purportedly believing that the product…