Federal Judge Rules Kraft Heinz Must Face Nationwide Class-Action Lawsuit Over Artificial Preservatives in Mac & Cheese
A federal judge has ruled that Kraft Heinz must face a proposed nationwide class-action lawsuit regarding claims the company lied over whether Kraft Mac & Cheese contained artificial preservatives.
Background of the Lawsuit
The lawsuit was filed by Illinois, California, and New York consumers who alleged that Kraft Mac & Cheese contained a synthetic form of citric acid that differed from the natural variety, and also contained sodium phosphates.
Lawsuit Claims
The plaintiffs claimed that the macaroni and cheese products are labeled, marketed, and sold with a label reading “No Artificial Flavors, Preservatives, or Dyes.” However, the products actually contain citric acid, sodium phosphate, and/or sodium triphosphate, which are produced by a variety of synthetic processes.
Judge’s Ruling
U.S. District Judge Mary Rowland ruled that the plaintiffs “adequately alleged the Ingredients are artificial” – despite Kraft Heinz’s claim that citric acid is a natural ingredient – even if some of it is artificially manufactured.
Kraft Heinz’s Response
Kraft-Heinz released a statement regarding the judge’s ruling, stating that generations of families have enjoyed KRAFT Macaroni & Cheese, which contains no artificial flavors, preservatives, or dyes. The company spokesperson said that they stand fully behind their product and are proud of its quality, and that they strongly believe that this lawsuit has no merit and look forward to their day in court.
Conclusion
The judge’s ruling allows the lawsuit to move forward, which could potentially lead to changes in the way Kraft Heinz labels and markets their macaroni and cheese products. The outcome of the lawsuit remains to be seen, but it is clear that Kraft Heinz is facing significant scrutiny over their use of artificial preservatives in their products.
FAQs
Q: What is the lawsuit about?
A: The lawsuit is about claims that Kraft Heinz lied about whether Kraft Mac & Cheese contains artificial preservatives.
Q: What are the allegations against Kraft Heinz?
A: The plaintiffs allege that Kraft Mac & Cheese contains a synthetic form of citric acid that differs from the natural variety, and also contains sodium phosphates, which are produced by synthetic processes.
Q: What is Kraft Heinz’s response to the allegations?
A: Kraft Heinz claims that citric acid is a natural ingredient and that their product contains no artificial flavors, preservatives, or dyes.
Q: What is the outcome of the lawsuit so far?
A: The judge has ruled that Kraft Heinz must face the lawsuit, allowing it to move forward.
Q: What could happen next?
A: The outcome of the lawsuit is still uncertain, but it could potentially lead to changes in the way Kraft Heinz labels and markets their macaroni and cheese products.
