Abbott Laboratories is facing a class action lawsuit over its Similac infant formula that alleges the US group is “misleading” consumers since the product contains non-organic ingredients.
The case was filed in the US District Court for the Eastern District of New York on 15 May by three consumers and accuses Abbott of “false and misleading misrepresentations on its private-label Similac Advance Organic Infant Formulas”.
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The complaint alleges 26 of the 49 ingredients used are not allowed in organic foods including irradiated substances and synthetic compounds.
“Abbott deceptively and misleadingly claimed that the infant formula is ‘organic’ and charged a premium price for the ‘organic’ infant formula. Abbott was also motivated to mislead consumers to take away market share from competing products, thereby increasing its own sales and profits,” the lawsuit stated.
“By deceiving consumers about the nature, quality, and/or ingredients of the ‘organic’ infant formula as detailed herein, Abbott was able to command a premium price for the#39;organic’ infant formula. Abbott was also motivated to mislead consumers to take away market share from competing products, thereby increasing its own sales and profits,” it added.
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A spokesperson for Abbott told just-food: “Abbott’s Similac Organic infant formula is certified as organic in accordance with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s current National Organic Program standards. We comply with all requirements to maintain this certification. All of the ingredients named in this lawsuit are approved for use today in organic infant formulas.”
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