Dole Sheds Class Suit Challenging Fruit Product Health Claims

Dole Packaged Foods LLC defeated, for now, a proposed class action claiming that it deceptively labels multiple fruit products as healthy and nutritious despite the fact they contain a lot of sugar.

The consumers’ claims related to Dole’s health statements about the products’ vitamin C levels are implied nutrition standards that are preempted under the Food Drug and Cosmetic Act, which prohibits nutrition labeling requirements that differ from federal regulations, the US District Court for the Northern District of California said Monday. California consumer protection claims based on the products’ sugar content also failed because the statements the consumers allege ...