Beginning in 2020, the advertising world saw an explosion of putative class-actions challenging the use of “vanilla” to describe products where the vanilla flavoring allegedly is not derived exclusively from the vanilla bean...more
The Seventh Circuit and District of Columbia Circuit Courts of Appeals recently considered an issue that has been debated by class action lawyers on both sides of the “v” for several years: whether the Supreme Court’s...more
This week the D.C. Circuit and Seventh Circuit issued decisions addressing a question that has been hotly debated by class action lawyers on the plaintiffs’ and defense sides: whether the Supreme Court’s decision on personal...more
LEGISLATION, REGULATIONS & STANDARDS - Oregon Sens. Request Changes To USDA Hemp Rule - In a letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Sens. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) have requested changes...more
Over the last several weeks, a variety of major retailers, restaurant groups, pharmacies and other merchants have been hit with a deluge of putative class action lawsuits alleging violations of the Americans with Disabilities...more
LEGISLATION, REGULATIONS & STANDARDS - DOJ Announces Guilty Plea in E. Coli Prosecution - The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has announced that Memet Beqiri had pleaded guilty to “a charge related to his meat...more
On October 3, 2018, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit affirmed the dismissal of a putative securities class action against Whole Foods Market, Inc. and certain of its executives under Section 10(b) of...more
Draft Guidance on Food Recalls Issued - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued draft guidance on the release of retailer information during the food-recall process. The guidance indicates when the agency...more
LEGISLATION, REGULATIONS & STANDARDS - California Bans New Soda Taxes - California Governor Jerry Brown has signed the Keep Groceries Affordable Act, a statute preventing local agencies in the state from imposing taxes...more
Proposal Would Move Food Regulation to USDA - As part of a proposal to reorganize several federal agencies, the Trump administration has recommended that food-safety regulatory oversight be shifted to the U.S. Department...more
The District of Columbia district court added to the growing collection of orders opining on whether and to what extent the Supreme Court’s decision in Bristol-Myers Squibb applies to class actions....more
Food for Thought is a review of significant court decisions affecting the food, beverage, dietary supplements and personal care products industry. Although many cases in this edition focus on class certification, others...more
RECENT SIGNIFICANT RULINGS - Subway Settles Footlong Complaints - In re: Subway Footlong Sandwich Mark’g & Sales Practices Litig., No. 3:13-md-2439 (E.D. Wis.): The Court granted preliminary approval to a nationwide...more
In This Issue: - RECENT SIGNIFICANT RULINGS ..Court Dismisses in Part “Natural” Claims ..Court Enters Partial Dismissal of “Handmade” Claims ..Court Dismisses Injunctive Relief Claim Allows...more
In This Issue: - RECENT SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENTS AND RULINGS ..Another Greek Yogurt Case Against Whole Foods is Transferred ..Safeway’s Frozen Waffles Case Dismissed ..Individual Claims...more
In This Issue: - RECENT SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENTS AND RULINGS ..Extra Virgin Olive Oil Complaint Beats Motion to Dismiss ..Honest Tea Defeats Motion to Dismiss ..Gerber Wins Summary Judgment...more
As we’ve explored in past posts, mandatory GMO-labeling legislation has, at best, a spotty track record among state legislatures. Nevertheless, the GMO issue continues to draw the public’s attention, and it is becoming clear...more
In This Issue: - RECENT SIGNIFICANT RULINGS ..Court Narrows “All Natural” Class Action Against Safeway ..Nationwide Class Certified in Olive Oil Labeling Fight ..Whole Foods “All Natural” and...more