Kraft Heinz Faces Nationwide Lawsuit Over Mac & Cheese

Kraft Heinz has been ordered to proceed with a nationwide class action lawsuit challenging its "No Artificial Preservatives" labeling on Kraft Mac & Cheese products.

Misleading Labeling

U.S. District Judge Mary Rowland in Chicago ruled on Wednesday that consumers from Illinois, California, and New York have presented plausible allegations that the company's labeling is misleading. The lawsuit specifically targets the company's claim of "No Artificial Flavors, Preservatives or Dyes" on its popular mac and cheese boxes.

The key dispute centers on two ingredients: citric acid and sodium phosphates. Plaintiffs argue that the citric acid used in the product is a synthetic preservative, despite the company's claims of using no artificial preservatives. Judge Rowland noted that the plaintiffs provided specific allegations supported by academic studies and FDA guidance.

"These allegations are enough to withstand a motion to dismiss," Judge Rowland wrote in her decision. However, she agreed with Kraft Heinz that the plaintiffs lack standing to demand new labels, as they are now aware of the alleged deceptive practices.

Kraft's Response

Kraft Heinz has denied any wrongdoing, arguing that there are no factual allegations of using artificial preservatives in its "iconic" Mac & Cheese. The company contends that reasonable consumers would not view the ingredients as artificial.

The lawsuit seeks damages for fraud, unjust enrichment, and violations of state consumer protection laws. It is part of a growing trend of legal challenges targeting food labeling practices.

This is not the first legal challenge Kraft Heinz has faced regarding its products. In July 2023, a Miami federal judge dismissed a separate lawsuit about the preparation time for microwaveable Velveeta mac and cheese cups.

The case, Hayes et al v. Kraft Heinz Co, is currently pending in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. Kraft Heinz, which is partially owned by Berkshire Hathaway, has not yet commented on the ruling.

Consumers who have purchased Kraft Mac & Cheese may want to follow the developments of this case closely, as it could potentially impact future product labeling and marketing practices in the food industry.