SAN FRANCISCO (Legal Newsline) - Class action lawyers say Hershey advertises its Lily's chocolate products as being made with Stevia but they actually contain more of a different kind of sweetener.
Hershey, the renowned chocolate company, is facing a lawsuit filed March 8 in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California by plaintiffs Nicole Loza, Kimberly Hall, and Nicole Rivera. The lawsuit alleges that Hershey has been involved in deceptive practices regarding the labeling and marketing of its Lily's chocolate products.
These products are prominently labeled as "Stevia Sweetened," leading consumers to believe they are primarily sweetened with Stevia, a natural plant-based sweetener, the suit says.
However, the plaintiffs argue that these claims are misleading as the products are predominantly sweetened with erythritol, a highly processed sugar alcohol. Recent studies have linked erythritol to gut health disruption and an increased risk of heart attack and stroke, the suit claims.
The lawsuit contends that Hershey's "Stevia Sweetened" labels deceive consumers into paying a premium for the Lily's products.
The plaintiffs are seeking redress for alleged violations of the California Consumers Legal Remedies Act, false advertising, fraud, deceit or misrepresentation, unfair business practices, and unjust enrichment.
Seth Safier and other lawyers at Gutride Safier represent the plaintiffs.