Claims Challenging MSG-Free Label On Chef Boyardee Pasta May Proceed

Would-be class claims challenging representations that Chef Boyardee Mac & Cheese products contain “no MSG” may go forward, the Southern District of California said (Peterson v. ConAgra Foods, Inc., 2014 BL 209160, S.D. Cal., No. 13-3158).

The claims under California consumer law parallel federal requirements governing when foods may be labeled MSG-free, Judge M. James Lorenz of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California said July 29 in rejecting ConAgra Foods Inc.'s preemption argument.

Eric Peterson alleged the macaroni product labels state, “No MSG” or “No MSG Added,” despite being made with one or more ...