LOS ANGELES (Legal Newsline) – A California consumer alleges certain products made by a consumer foods manufacturer contains an herbicide.
Natasha Paracha filed a complaint on behalf of herself and all others similarly situated on Aug. 31 in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California against General Mills Inc. alleging violation of the California Unfair Competition Law and the Consumer Legal Remedies Act.
According to the complaint, the plaintiffs allege that the defendant’s products, such as Cheerios Toasted Whole Grain Oat Cereal, Nature Valley Granola Protein Oats n’ Honey, Nature Valley Crunchy Granola Bars - Oat’s n’ Honey and Lucky Charms, have healthy attribute representations on their boxes to "lead reasonable consumers to believe the products will foster their 'good health' and not potentially harm their health."
The plaintiff alleges that testing by the Environmental Working Group found the defendant's products contain the herbicide glyphosate, a carcinogen with no nutritional value. The suit states the defendant does not disclose this on product labels.
The plaintiff holds General Mills Inc. responsible because the defendant allegedly represented that the products have characteristics and benefits they do not have.
The plaintiff requests a trial by jury and seek judgment against defendant, certify class action, award restitution and disgorgement, attorneys’ fees and costs, and further relief as may be just and proper. She is represented by Patricia N. Syverson and Manfred P. Muecke of Bonnett, Fairbourn, Friedman & Balint PC in San Diego, California; Elaine A. Ryan and Carrie A. Laliberte of Bonnett, Fairbourn, Friedman & Balint PC in Phoenix, Arizona; and Stewart M. Weltman, Todd L. McLawhorn and Michael Chang of Siprut PC in Chicago, Illinois.
U.S. District Court for the Central District of California Case number 18-cv-07659