Crosner Legal has filed a class action lawsuit in federal court against a major food manufacturer, alleging that the company falsely labels certain dog food products as containing “No Artificial Colors, Preservatives, or Flavors.” According to the complaint, this statement is misleading because the products contain manufactured citric acid, which acts as an artificial preservative.
The lawsuit explains that the labels are designed to suggest the products are natural and free from synthetic ingredients. However, the ingredient lists identify citric acid as being used as a preservative, and the complaint states that the citric acid in these products is not naturally sourced but produced through industrial fermentation using genetically modified black mold and chemical solvents. Regulatory agencies, including the FDA and USDA, classify citric acid as a preservative, and scientific literature cited in the filing describes it as one of the most widely used synthetic preservatives in food production.
According to the complaint, consumers rely on preservative free claims when choosing pet food and often pay more for products marketed as natural. By promoting the products as free from artificial preservatives while including a synthetic preservative ingredient, the manufacturer allegedly misleads consumers and gains an unfair competitive advantage.
The lawsuit seeks restitution, damages, and injunctive relief to stop the misleading marketing practices, asserting violations of California’s Consumers Legal Remedies Act and Unfair Competition Law, along with breach of express warranty.
Crosner Legal emphasizes that consumers deserve accurate labeling when making purchasing decisions for their pets. When companies present products as free from artificial preservatives while using manufactured preservative ingredients, they undermine consumer trust. This lawsuit aims to ensure greater transparency and accountability within the pet food industry.
If you purchased dog food advertised as containing no artificial preservatives but later learned it contains manufactured citric acid, you may have legal rights. Contact Crosner Legal for a free and confidential case evaluation.
This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.