River North Foods Natural and Evaporated Cane Juice Claims

December 2017: A state court judge granted final approval of the settlement agreement.

September 2017: A state court judge preliminarily approved a settlement agreement that would resolve a class-action lawsuit against River North Foods for its marketing of various products, including Nuevo Tex-Mex Salpica Mango Peach Salsa, Frontera Chicken Taco Skillet Sauce, Salpica Chipotle Garlic Sauce, and Salpica Cilantro Green Olive Salsa.

The complaint, which was filed in September 2016 and amended in September 2017, alleges that the company falsely advertises products as “All Natural” when, according to plaintiffs, they contain synthetic ingredients. In addition, the complaint claims that the company deceptively lists evaporated cane juice as an ingredient in some products when, according to the complaint, they actually contain sugar.

According to the settlement agreement, class members who do not have proof of purchase may recover up to $0.50 for each product purchased for up to 10 products (or $5 per household) and class members who have proof of purchase may recover $0.50 for each product purchased for up to 20 products (or $10 per household). A final fairness hearing is scheduled for December 4, 2017. (Barnes et al v. River North Foods, Inc., Case No. 16-L-459, Circuit Court for the 20th Judicial Circuit – County of St. Clair, State of Illinois)

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For more information about TINA.org’s coverage of sugar claims, click here.