SAN FRANCISCO (Legal Newsline) — The maker of Ocean Spray juices faces a class action for labeling them as having no preservatives while containing citric acid
Ashley Wright, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated, filed a complaint Oct. 31 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California against Ocean Spray Cranberries Inc., alleging violation of the California Unfair Competition Law, California Consumers Legal Remedies Act and other claims.
According to Wright's class action, Ocean Spray falsely labels its Ocean Spray Cran-Raspberry juice and 100% Juice Cranberry Watermelon products. She claims that the "No Preservatives" prominently displayed on the label is false because the juice contains citric acid, a food and beverage preservative.
Wright alleges Ocean Spray is conducting an "advertising scheme" to give consumers the impression they are buying a "premium product." She further alleges commercially produced citric acid is derived from heavy chemical processing and is associated with joint pain, swelling and muscular and stomach pain.
Wright claims consumers rely on the "No Preservatives" claim and would not have paid as much for the product if they had known it actually contains a preservative.
Wright and the class seek monetary relief, interest, trial by jury and all other just relief. They are represented by Michael Houchin of Crosner Legal PC in Beverly Hills.
U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California case number 3:23-CB-05627