Kraft Heinz Faces Class-Action Lawsuit Over “No Artificial Preservatives” Claim in Mac & Cheese

A federal judge has ruled that Kraft Heinz will face a nationwide class-action lawsuit alleging deceptive labeling practices on its iconic Kraft Macaroni & Cheese. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois (Case No. 23-16596), claims that Kraft Heinz misled consumers by stating “No Artificial Flavors, Preservatives or Dyes” on its packaging.

U.S. District Judge Mary Rowland rejected Kraft Heinz’s motion to dismiss, finding that the plaintiffs—consumers from Illinois, California, and New York—had plausibly alleged that the product contains synthetic citric acid and sodium phosphates, which function as preservatives. The judge cited academic studies and FDA guidance in her decision, stating that these allegations are sufficient to proceed to trial. The plaintiffs’ argument centers on the assertion that these ingredients constitute artificial preservatives, contradicting the product’s labeling.

While Judge Rowland agreed with Kraft Heinz that the plaintiffs lacked standing to demand new labels due to their awareness of the alleged deception, she allowed the core claim of deceptive labeling to proceed. Kraft Heinz maintains that its Mac & Cheese contains no artificial flavors, preservatives, or dyes and asserts that the lawsuit is without merit. The company stated, “We stand fully behind our product and are proud of its quality. We strongly believe that this lawsuit has no merit and look forward to our day in court.”

The plaintiffs are seeking damages for fraud, unjust enrichment, and violations of state consumer protection laws. This case is one of several recent lawsuits challenging the accuracy of food product labeling. In July 2023, a separate lawsuit accusing Kraft Heinz of misrepresenting the preparation time of its microwaveable Velveeta macaroni and cheese was dismissed. The outcome of this Mac & Cheese lawsuit will have significant implications for food labeling regulations and consumer protection.

The ongoing litigation highlights the increasing scrutiny of food manufacturers’ claims regarding ingredients and labeling. The use of synthetic versus natural ingredients, and the interpretation of terms like “artificial,” are key areas of contention. This case underscores the importance of clear and accurate labeling to ensure consumer trust and compliance with regulatory standards. The legal battle ahead will likely further define the boundaries of what constitutes “artificial” within the food industry.

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