NEW YORK (Legal Newsline) – A consumer claims that an agave nectar labeled as organic contains nonnatural, nonorganic ingredients.
Teresa Valdes filed a complaint on behalf of herself and all others similarly situated on Sept. 5 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York against American Sugar Refining Inc. alleging violation of New York general business laws.
According to the complaint, the defendant sells organic agave nectar under the Domino, C&H and Florida Crystal brands that carries a U.S. Department of Agriculture organic label. The plaintiff alleges that testing of the product showed it contains isomaltose, which is commonly found in high-fructose corn syrup and not naturally found in agave syrup. She alleges the product's labeling does not disclose this.
The plaintiff requests a trial by jury and seeks economic, monetary, consequential, compensatory, or statutory damages, exemplary damages, restitution and disgorgement, all legal fees, interest, and any other relief as the court deems just. She is represented by Jason P. Sultzer, Joseph Lipari and Adam Gonnelli of The Sultzer Law Group PC in Poughkeepsie, New York; Michael R. Reese and George V. Granade of Reese LLP in New York City; and Melissa S. Weiner and Amy E. Boyle of Halunen Law in Minneapolis.
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York case number 1:17-cv-05213-CBA-PK