Walmart
An ongoing TINA.org investigation spanning several years found that Walmart consistently and repeatedly used false and deceptive Made in USA representations to market products on its website, Walmart.com. (TINA.org also…
Equate™ Rapid Release Products
April 2019: A federal judge dismissed certain claims but allowed the false advertising claims to move forward.
November 2018: A class-action lawsuit was filed against Walmart for allegedly misleadingly marketing its Equate™ Rapid Release products as being comparable to Tylenol® Extra Strength Rapid Release Gels when, according to plaintiffs, the Tylenol® products have “unique laser drilled holes” that the Equate™ products do not have. Plaintiffs also claim that Walmart misleadingly markets the Equate™ products as “rapid release” when, according to plaintiffs, the medicine does not work faster than non-rapid release products. (Plaintiffs filed an amended complaint in January 2019.) (Edwards et al v. Walmart, Inc., Case No. 18-cv-9655, C.D. Cal.)
For more information about other class-action lawsuits regarding Equate™ products and TINA.org’s coverage of them, click here.
Legal Action
Class-Action Tracker
equate Hydrogen Peroxide
Allegations: Falsely marketing the product treats minor cuts and abrasions when scientific evidence shows it does not have such treatment capabilities
Equate Lidocaine Patches
Allegations: Misleadingly marketing lidocaine pain relief patches
Equate Cold and Flu Medicines
Allegations: Misleadingly marketing medicines as “non-drowsy” when an ingredient in them causes drowsiness
Equate Dry Spray
Allegations: Failing to disclose products contain the carcinogen benzene
Equate Oil-Free Cosmetics
Allegations: False “oil-free” claims
Equate Kids Sunscreen Stick and Other Sunscreens
Allegations: Falsely marketing sunscreens as “hypoallergenic” when they contain a significant amount of allergens, irritants, and other damage-causing chemicals
Store-Brand Hand Sanitizers
A class-action lawsuit was filed against Vi-Jon for allegedly falsely marketing that store-brand hand sanitizers – including Equate, Up & Up, Walgreens, and Germ-X – “Kill[] 99.99% of germs” when,…
Equate Infant’s Pain & Fever Acetaminophen
In August 2020, a class-action lawsuit was filed against Perrigo Company and Walmart for allegedly misleadingly marketing that Equate Infant’s Pain & Fever Acetaminophen is formulated specifically for infants and…
Equate Infant’s and Children’s Pain & Fever Acetaminophen
In June 2020, a class-action lawsuit was filed alleging that Walmart misleads consumers by marketing Equate™ Infant’s Pain & Fever Acetaminophen and Equate™ Children’s Pain & Fever Acetaminophen as different…
Several Store-Brand Hand Sanitizers
In July 2020, a class-action lawsuit was filed against Vi-Jon, Inc. for allegedly falsely advertising that germ-X and several store-brand hand sanitizers – including CVS Health, equate (Walmart), and Walgreens…
Equate High Absorption CoQ-10
December 2017: This case was voluntarily dismissed When a complaint is dismissed without prejudice, an amended version of the complaint can be refiled., the reasons for which have not been…
Equate Migraine
December 2013: This case was voluntarily dismissed When a complaint is dismissed without prejudice, an amended version of the complaint can be refiled., the reasons for which have not been…
Walmart’s Equate Migraine
April 2016: The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the dismissal concluding that the complaint failed to state a claim upon which relief could be granted. (Case No. 14-55752, 9th…
Equate Migraine Pain Reliever
December 2013: This case was voluntarily dismissed When a complaint is dismissed without prejudice, an amended version of the complaint can be refiled., the reasons for which have not been…
Walmart’s Equate Co-Q10
September 2016: A federal judge granted the named plaintiff’s motion to voluntarily dismiss this action and imposed two conditions on the dismissal: First, the named plaintiff must agree to use…
Cottonelle Flushable Wipes and More
May 2016: This action was voluntarily dismissed When a complaint is dismissed with prejudice, it cannot be refiled. as to the named plaintiffs’ claims and When a complaint is dismissed…
Equate Flushable Wipes
January 2017: This action was dismissed When a complaint is dismissed with prejudice, it cannot be refiled., the reasons for which have not been disclosed. August 2015: A class-action lawsuit…
The Latest
CATrends: False Shelf Pricing
Consumers complain about higher prices at checkout.
CATrends: Lidocaine Pain Relief Patches
Plaintiffs allege packaging misrepresents lidocaine dosages as ‘maximum strength,’ among other things.
CATrends: OTC Cold and Flu Medicines Falsely Marketed as ‘Non-Drowsy’
Several products marketed as “non-drowsy” contain an ingredient that causes drowsiness, lawsuits claim.
FTC Finalizes Made in USA Rule Following TINA.org Petition
Commission’s first open meeting with new chair brings action.
Made in USA Refrigerants on Walmart.com
When it comes to made in the USA claims on Walmart’s website, there’s a lot of hot air.