Crosner Legal has filed a class action lawsuit against CVS Pharmacy, Inc., alleging that the company falsely advertises its Gold Emblem brand fruit snacks and candy products as containing “No Artificial Flavors,” in violation of California’s consumer protection laws. Filed in the United States District Court for the Central District of California, the lawsuit challenges the accuracy of this labeling claim, which appears prominently on the front of several Gold Emblem product packages, including fruit snacks, gummy worms, and other candies. According to the complaint, these products contain DL-malic acid, a synthetic flavoring substance that enhances tart and fruity taste profiles and qualifies as an artificial flavor under federal and California regulations. Despite its inclusion in the ingredient list, CVS markets these products as free from artificial flavors, allegedly deceiving reasonable consumers into believing the products are more natural than they actually are.
California’s Consumers Legal Remedies Act, False Advertising Law, and Unfair Competition Law prohibit businesses from making misleading or deceptive statements in connection with the sale of consumer goods. The lawsuit alleges that CVS’s “No Artificial Flavors” claim is false and misleading because DL-malic acid is not naturally derived and is used specifically for flavoring purposes, thereby falling within the definition of an artificial flavor. The complaint further contends that consumers are willing to pay a premium for products labeled as free from artificial ingredients, and that CVS has leveraged this labeling to gain a competitive advantage and increase sales, all while omitting material information about the true nature of the ingredients used.
The lawsuit seeks injunctive relief to prohibit CVS from continuing to market its Gold Emblem products with deceptive labeling, along with restitution and other remedies available under California law. Consumers have a legal right to rely on food labels when making purchasing decisions, particularly when claims such as “No Artificial Flavors” are placed front and center. Companies must ensure that these representations are truthful and consistent with the actual ingredients used. When businesses use language that creates a false impression about the quality or composition of a product, they not only erode consumer trust but also violate the law.
If you purchased Gold Emblem fruit snacks or candy labeled “No Artificial Flavors” in California and later discovered they contained synthetic ingredients like DL-malic acid, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact Crosner Legal for a free and confidential case evaluation.
- Crosner Legal: 9440 Santa Monica Blvd. #301, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
- Phone: (866) 276-7637 [CROSNER]
- Email: intake@crosnerlegal.com
- Fax: (310) 510-6429
This blog post is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.