Deceptive Advertising

Smucker’s Caramel Flavored Syrup Labeling Class Action

A number of recent class actions has addressed the flavoring and labeling of “vanilla” products, such as vanilla ice cream or vanilla almondmilk. This class action, from the same law firm as the “vanilla” ones, is somewhat more intricate. It concerns caramel syrup from the JM Smucker Company (or Smucker’s brand caramel syrup), discusses “vanilla  Read more

Purell Hand Sanitizer Deceptive Marketing Class Action

You may not have heard of Gojo Industries, Inc., but you probably have heard of its product Purell Hand Sanitizer. But are the company’s claims for its product accurate? The complaint for this class action says no. It also cites Food and Drug Administration (FDA) criticism that the product is incorrectly marketed as a drug.  Read more

Blue Diamond Growers “Smokehouse” Almonds Deceptive Labels Class Action

If a food product is labeled as having a “smokehouse” flavor, does that mean it has actually been smoked? Should it mean that? According to the complaint for this class action, Blue Diamond Growers “Smokehouse” Almonds are deceptively labeled because they do not get their characterizing flavor from actual smoking but from added flavoring.  Read more

Ocean Spray “No Artificial Flavors” Settlement

Ocean Spray, which is known for its cranberry juices and cranberry juice combination beverages, is settling a class action alleging that its products are falsely labeled as containing “No Artificial Flavors.” According to the complaint, the drinks contained dl-malic acid or fumaric acid, which it claimed functioned as flavorings.  Read more

Wegmans “French Vanilla” Ice Cream Flavor Designation Class Action

Wegmans Food Markets, Inc. sells an ice cream that is labeled “French Vanilla.” The complaint for this class action alleges that this designation is misleading and deceptive, because it suggests that the ice cream is flavored “only from its natural characterizing flavor, vanilla” from vanilla beans—when in fact, the complaint claims, it is not.  Read more

DevaCurl Products Hair and Scalp Effects Misrepresentation Class Action

Deva Concepts, LLC does business as Deva Curl, making products intended for curly hair. The company promotes its products as natural and healthy for hair, but the complaint for this class action claims that, on the contrary, they contain substances that can cause allergic reactions and damage hair.  Read more

Almond Breeze “Vanilla” Almondmilk and Coconut Milk Drink Class Action

Blue Diamond Growers sells a blend of almondmilk and coconut milk purported to be “Vanilla with other natural flavors” under its Almond Breeze brand. The complaint for this class action alleges that the product is improperly labeled: “The unqualified, prominent and conspicuous representations as ‘Vanilla’ [are] false, deceptive and misleading because the product contains non-vanilla  Read more

Chobani “Vanilla” Yogurt Deceptive Labeling Class Action

A significant number of recent class actions emanating primarily from a single law firm have taken issue with the labeling of certain products as “vanilla.” The complaint for this one alleges that Chobani “Vanilla” yogurt is mislabeled, because the lack of qualifications for the designation “vanilla” implies to consumers that the flavoring comes solely from  Read more

McDonald’s “Vanilla” Soft-Serve Ice Cream Labeling Class Action

At its 14,000 fast-food restaurants, McDonald’s Corporation offers soft-serve or reduced-fat ice cream that it designates as “vanilla.” The “vanilla” designation is displayed on its menu boards, drive-through displays, website, and marketing materials. The complaint for this class action takes issue with this designation, claiming that it indicates that the ice cream is flavored only  Read more

Celestial Seasonings Sleepytime “Vanilla” Tea Labeling Class Action

The complaint for this class action alleges that Celestial Seasonings “Sleepytime Vanilla” tea is mislabeled, because the use of the word “vanilla” without qualifiers implies that the tea is flavored only with natural vanilla from vanilla beans. The complaint claims that this is not true.  Read more