
Kirkland Signature Fish Oil
Allegations: Misleadingly marketing that supplements “Help[] Support a Healthy Heart”
November 2015: This case was stayed pending the resolution of three similar cases in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.
November 2014: A federal judge dismissed some of the state false advertising claims (i.e., the negligent misrepresentation claims) in this lawsuit finding that the complaint did not refer to specific examples of misrepresentations made by the company, as required by state law. The judge stayed (i.e., suspended) the “evaporated cane juice” claims pending the FDA’s determination of when the term may be appropriately used. The other state law false advertising claims will move forward.
April 2014: Plaintiffs filed an amended complaint that removes the allegations regarding Costco’s Kettle Chips and now focuses on a variety of Costco’s fruit and nut products. Plaintiffs now allege, among other things, that the company deceptively markets several of these products as being rich in antioxidants, having “no sugar added,” promoting cardiovascular health, and being “preservative free” when those statements are actually false. Plaintiffs also claim that Costco misleadingly labels its Organic Chocolate Reduced Fat Milk as containing “evaporated cane juice” when it actually contains sugar.
For more details about plaintiffs’ revised allegations, click here to read the full amended complaint.
June 2012: A class-action lawsuit was filed against Costco claiming that it is making misleading health claims about its Kettle chips – namely, that the chips are healthy despite the fact that they contain a lot of saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium. (Thomas v. Costco Wholesale Corp., Case No. 12-cv-02908, N.D.Ca.)
Allegations: Misleadingly marketing that supplements “Help[] Support a Healthy Heart”
Allegations: Falsely marketing products as purified water “with minerals added for taste” without adequately disclosing that they contain synthetic ingredients
Allegations: Falsely marketing products as “made with Naturally Derived Ingredients”
Allegations: Misleadingly representing that Costco’s website informs consumers when merchandise may be available for a lower price in stores when it routinely fails to include such information
Allegations: Falsely marketing that phenylephrine products treat congestion and other cold and flu symptoms
Allegations: Falsely marketing that medicines relieve nasal congestion
Allegations: Misleadingly marketing that products do not contain preservatives
Allegations: Misleadingly advertising warranties as free when consumers who return a defective battery are refunded the original purchase price and then charged a higher price for a replacement battery
Allegations: False “100% Recyclable” claims
Allegations: False “100% Recyclable” claims
Allegations: False “100% Recyclable” claims
Allegations: Misleadingly marketing products as “Himalayan” and coming from “the heart of the Himalayan Mountains” when the salt comes from Pakistan
Allegations: Misleadingly marketing that products contain enough detergent to wash 146 loads of laundry
Allegations: Misleadingly marketing black raspberries are a flavoring ingredient in sparkling waters
Allegations: Misleadingly marketing products as “keto” when they contain ingredients that are not compatible with a ketogenic diet
Allegations: Falsely advertising tuna products as “dolphin safe” when the company uses fishing methods that seriously injure and kill dolphins and other marine life
Allegations: Falsely marketing that ice cream bars are dipped in chocolate when the coating is actually a chocolate substitute
Allegations: Deceptively marketing wipes as “flushable”
Allegations: Failing to disclose products contain heavy metals, toxins, and contaminants
Allegations: Misleadingly marketing its Risk-Free 100% Satisfaction Guarantee by offering a full refund to members who cancel their memberships when executive members receive less than the amount they paid when…
Allegations: Misleadingly marketing pet foods as “grain free” and containing only certain ingredients when they contain wheat and other unlisted ingredients
Allegations: Misleadingly marketing that ice cream bars are coated in chocolate when the coating contains ingredients not found in chocolate
Allegations: Misleadingly advertising the amount of time Duracell LED flashlights provide light and the lifespan of the flashlights while in storage
Get a load of this.
When companies green it, they better mean it.
Bottled-water brands mislead consumers who want to “do their part” and recycle, class-action lawsuits allege.
From “Belgian” chocolates made in the U.S. to knockoff engagement rings, be wary of these roadblocks to love.
TINA.org investigation finds ratings don’t match vintage of bottles sold on store shelf.