Whole Foods’ Settlement Over Alcohol in Kombucha Gets Early OK

Whole Foods is on track for approval of a $4 million class-action settlement over allegations that “non-alcoholic” kombucha beverages sold in its stores contained more alcohol than the permitted trace amount.

The suit, brought by Gabriela Bayol and Bruce Verbeck, alleged drink manufacturer Health-Ade LLC represented the fermented tea drinks as non-alcoholic, understating the sugar content at the same time. Whole Foods Market California allegedly sold the mislabeled products.

The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California set an Oct. 11 final fairness hearing for the deal, which includes label and formula changes.

The companies agreed to pay ...