Kraft Heinz Must Face Mac & Cheese Lawsuit, Judge Rules

A federal judge ruled that Kraft Heinz must face a proposed nationwide class-action lawsuit alleging false advertising for its Kraft Mac & Cheese. Plaintiffs claim the company misled consumers by labeling the product as containing "No Artificial Preservatives," Reuters reported.

The plaintiffs plausibly alleged the product contains a synthetic form of citric acid, distinct from its natural counterpart, as well as sodium phosphates, which function as preservatives. I Photo: Kraft Mac & Cheese Facebook

U.S. District Judge Mary Rowland stated that the plaintiffs plausibly alleged the product contains a synthetic form of citric acid, distinct from its natural counterpart, as well as sodium phosphates, which function as preservatives.

The lawsuit argues that these ingredients contradict the label’s claims.

Judge Rowland cited academic studies and guidance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to support the plaintiffs' claims, concluding that their allegations were sufficient to proceed.

The plaintiffs are seeking damages for fraud, unjust enrichment, and violations of consumer protection laws.