Food product manufacturer Upfield has been hit with a class action lawsuit accusing the company of falsely advertising the amount of avocado oil in its margarine spread products.
The plaintiffs, Karissa Gates and Janine Hwang, identified as residents of San Bernardino County, allege they were misled into purchasing Upfield's Country Crock Plant Butter with Avocado Oil product. They assert the company sought to appeal to consumers' desire for food products containing allegedly healthier oil options, like avocado oil, but this particular product allegedly actually contained only a negligible amount of avocado oil.
The plaintiffs allege the practices violate California consumer fraud and false advertising laws, among other counts.
They are seeking unspecified compensatory damages, plus restitution and disgorgement, and attorney fees.
The suit was filed in federal court in Los Angeles on Jan. 8. Plaintiffs are represented by attorney Manfred P. Muecke, of Manfred APC, of San Diego.