Advertising Law

Suit by Nutrition Group Claims Fruit Roll-Ups Are Improperly Promoted as Healthy Snacks

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A group promoting better nutrition claims in a potential class action lawsuit that consumers are being misled by claims about Fruit Roll-Ups.

The Center for Science in the Public Interest filed the federal suit against General Mills on behalf of a California mother, according to a press release and the Pioneer Press.

Fruit Roll-Ups and Fruit by the Foot are promoted as nutritious and healthy, according to the lawsuit (PDF). In fact, the snacks “contained trans fat, added sugars, and artificial food dyes; lacked significant amounts of real, natural fruit; and had no dietary fiber,” the complaint says. The suit points to packaging promoting the snacks as being “naturally flavored,” a good source of Vitamin C, and low in calories and fat.

The suit claims violations of state laws barring deceptive and fraudulent business practices and deceptive advertising, as well as breach of warranty.

General Mills spokeswoman Kirstie Foster told the Pioneer Press that the company stands by its products and the accuracy of its labeling.

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