CATrends: Made in USA Claims

Since the beginning of the year, a number of lawsuits have been filed against brands accusing them of deceptively marketing a variety of products – from coolers to condiments to personal care products – as Made in USA.

For example, a lawsuit filed against French’s in February alleges the company markets several mustards as “crafted and bottled” in America when the products contain mustard seeds from Canada.

Nordic Ware similarly sources the aluminum used to manufacture its baking sheets from Canada despite marketing the products as Made in USA or Made in America, according to a complaint filed against the company in April. The Nordic Ware lawsuit cites alleged comments made by its CEO that the company “cater[s] to the people that appreciate American-made products” and that is “who buys Nordic Ware.”

Of note, in 2019 TINA.org looked into Nordic Ware products marketed as Made in USA as part of a larger investigation into Williams-Sonoma, which first resulted in a $1 million settlement with the FTC and later, a record $3.17 million civil penalty imposed on the specialty retailer.

Other brands named in litigation include Igloo, Paul Mitchell, Mielle, Dude Wipes, Pure Leaf Tea and Goya Foods. The majority of the lawsuits were filed by the same law firm. They are all pending.

Find more of our coverage on Made in USA.