Crosner Legal has filed a class action lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Central District of California, Eastern Division, challenging the labeling and marketing of certain packaged bread products. The lawsuit alleges that the company misleads consumers by prominently claiming on the front label that the bread contains “NEVER any artificial preservatives,” when in fact the products include ascorbic acid; a synthetic ingredient recognized as an artificial preservative.
According to the complaint, ascorbic acid is not naturally derived but instead is chemically manufactured using substances like sulfuric acid and acetone. Both the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration classify ascorbic acid as a synthetic preservative. The FDA has specifically listed it as a preservative ingredient, and experts note that it functions by slowing microbial growth and extending shelf life. Despite this, the company continues to market its bread as free from artificial preservatives.
The lawsuit asserts that reasonable consumers rely heavily on “free-from” claims; such as preservative-free when deciding what foods to purchase. Market research shows that over 80 percent of Americans buy “free-from” foods because they believe they are healthier and more natural. By marketing bread with a “NEVER any artificial preservatives” label while including synthetic preservatives in the ingredient list, the company allegedly misrepresented the nature and quality of its products.
The lawsuit brings claims under California’s Consumers Legal Remedies Act and Unfair Competition Law, as well as for breach of express warranty. It seeks restitution, damages, and injunctive relief to stop the company from continuing to mislead consumers with false preservative-free claims.
Crosner Legal emphasizes that food manufacturers have a duty to clearly and accurately disclose the ingredients of their products. By obscuring the presence of artificial preservatives while promoting a “clean” label, the company allegedly profited at the expense of consumers’ trust and health-conscious purchasing decisions.
If you purchased bread products advertised as containing “no artificial preservatives” but later discovered they included synthetic ingredients such as ascorbic acid, you may have legal rights. 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 post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.