McCormick Consumers End Lawsuit Alleging Spices Had Heavy Metals

McCormick & Co. consumers dropped their proposed class action alleging the company deceptively advertised spices that could contain heavy metals.

The notice of voluntary dismissal was filed Monday in the US District Court for the Northern District of California. Judge Edward J. Davila in September 2023 dismissed without prejudice the consumers’ complaint alleging the packaging statement “The Taste You Can Trust” was misleading.

• Davila said the statement was “puffery” that couldn’t be the basis for consumer protection claims because it refers to taste, not health and safety
• The voluntary dismissal comes after Davila granted the plaintiffs five extensions to file ...