PEORIA, Ill. (Legal Newsline) — Kroger is facing a class action lawsuit claiming its "Farm Fresh" eggs mislead consumers to believing they are from cage-free chickens.
Larry Long, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated, filed a complaint May 3 in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois against The Kroger Co., alleging violation of State Consumer Fraud Acts, negligent misrepresentation and other claims.
According to his complaint, Long purchased "Positive Farm Fresh" and "Farm Fresh" eggs. He claims Kroger leads customers to believe the eggs labeled as “farm fresh” and “Grade A” are eggs from hens that were not confined in cages.
Long further claims that Kroger has transitioned to having only about 70% of its eggs coming from cage-free chickens and that the grocery chain reneged on its 2016 commitment to sell only cage-free eggs, then reversed its pledge in 2022 citing the "demand for affordable eggs."
He alleges he wants to purchase eggs from hens not confined in cages because he believes it is inhumane to the hens, harmful to the environment and potentially a source of food-borne illness. Long claims Kroger's labeling on eggs is false and misleading while they are sold at a premium price.
Long and the class seek monetary relief, interest, trial by jury and all other just relief. They are represented by Spencer Sheehan of Sheehan & Associates PC in Great Neck, New York.
U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois case number 1:23-CV-01179