By the Numbers: Greenwashing Class-Action Lawsuits
TINA.org has tracked more than 100 lawsuits alleging greenwashing.
False and deceptive marketing is disappointing but sometimes, it can also be dangerous.
A TINA.org reader with dietary restrictions tipped us off to an issue they encountered with Walmart’s “non-dairy” coffee creamers. Despite being labeled as “non-dairy” on the front of the packaging, the back of the products tell a different story, namely that the creamers contain milk.
How is this possible?
FDA regulations allow for products labeled non-dairy to include milk proteins, which can cause allergic reactions in individuals with a milk allergy. In fact, the reader who submitted the tip reported experiencing “serious health issues” after being misled by product labeling.
But Walmart isn’t alone on this issue. A TINA.org investigation found numerous other brands’ purported “non-dairy” coffee creamers to contain potential milk allergens.
Essential Everyday (the only company to respond to TINA.org’s request for comment) stated that the term non-dairy is not intended for consumers who are trying to avoid dairy, but rather to “prevent dairy consumers from mistaking dairy-like foods for dairy products.”
Of note, TINA.org recently joined a petition for rulemaking to the FDA that would require manufacturers to clearly disclose when their products contain animal-derived ingredients.
The bottom line
If you have any concerns about what you are consuming, be careful to read the full list of ingredients regardless of what the front label or other marketing may lead you to believe. As for these items, they may not be the cream of the crop for consumers trying to completely avoid dairy.
Find more of our coverage on ingredient claims here.
Our Ad Alerts are not just about false and deceptive marketing issues, but may also be about ads that, although not necessarily deceptive, should be viewed with caution. Ad Alerts can also be about single issues and may not include a comprehensive list of all marketing issues relating to the brand discussed.
TINA.org has tracked more than 100 lawsuits alleging greenwashing.
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