Hershey Dark Chocolate Deceptively Labeled, Suit Says

Hershey Co. deceptively labels some dark chocolate products as having “no artificial flavors” when they contain a synthetic flavoring agent derived from petrochemicals, a new proposed class suit says.

The candymaker’s Brookside Dark Chocolate products, such as Acai & Blueberry and Goji & Raspberry varieties, are made with synthetic malic acid, according to a suit in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.

Malic acid, which makes foods taste tart, occurs naturally in some fruits and vegetables, plaintiff Howard Clark alleges.

The suit joins scores of others alleging food and drink makers misleadingly label their wares to ...