Snyder’s of Hanover Pretzels, Cape Cod Potato Chips, and More

September 2016: After an objector filed a Notice of Appeal, the appeal was voluntarily dismissed. The reasons for the dismissal have not been disclosed.

June 2016: A federal judge granted final approval of the settlement.

February 2016: A federal judge granted preliminary approval of a settlement of this false advertising lawsuit. The settlement terms provide class member with both injunctive and monetary relief. According to the settlement terms, class members may receive a $1 refund for every product purchased. Class members without proof of purchase may receive a maximum refund of $10 per household and class members with proof of purchase may receive a maximum refund of $20 per household. If any money remains in the $2,762,500 settlement fund after the refunds and other expenses (including administrative expenses, incentive awards, and attorneys’ fees) are paid, the company agreed to donate free Snyder’s-Lance products with a retail value of the remaining amount to Feeding America. In addition, the company agreed to stop using the Natural Label in the marketing for products — including the Snyder’s of Hanover®, Cape Cod®, Eatsmart Naturals®, Padrino’s®, and Pretzel Crisps® — subject to certain limitations (for example, products containing only natural ingredients may have the natural label). A final fairness hearing is scheduled for June 3, 2016. For more information, go to www.snackfoodsettlement.com.

November 2013: A class-action lawsuit was filed against Snyder’s-Lance, Inc. alleging that the company deceptively markets its food products. Specifically, plaintiffs claim that the company labels its products – including a variety of Snyder’s of Hanover® pretzels, Cape Cod® potato chips, EatSmart snacks, and Padrinos® tortilla chips – as “all natural” when they actually contain unnatural genetically-modified organisms, artificial ingredients, or synthetic ingredients. (Barron et al v. Snyder’s-Lance, Inc., Case No. 13-cv-62496, S. D. FL.).