CENTRAL ISLIP, N.Y. (Legal Newsline) - Kraft Heinz is sued in federal court because its Velveeta line of macaroni and cheese claims to be "made with real cheese," but other ingredients are listed before cheddar.
Kraft Heinz Foods Company is facing a class action lawsuit filed Feb. 3 by Martin Sisca, on behalf of all others similarly situated. The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York, alleges that Kraft Heinz has been misleading consumers about the use of real cheese in their products.
The plaintiff argues that consumers are increasingly seeking healthier choices and pay more attention to food ingredients. As per industry data, cheese's popularity has surged due to its natural properties and associated health benefits.
However, the plaintiff accuses Kraft Heinz of using lower quality cheese substitutes instead of real cheese prominently advertised. The suit claims whey and canola oil as the No. 1 and 2 ingredients in the cheese sauce, while cheddar is third.
"(W)hey lacks milkfat, the most important ingredient in real cheese, and key nutrients in cheese," the suit says.
Spencer Sheehan represents the plaintiff.