A class action lawsuit accuses Ocean Spray of allegedly misleading consumers by claiming their dried cranberry snacks are healthy, when they allegedly contain high amounts of added sugar.
On March 25, named plaintiffs Ann Elders and Rebecca Crampton filed suit in federal court in San Diego, accusing food and beverage maker Ocean Spray of alleged deceptive marketing practices, which allegedly violate California consumer protection laws.
The plaintiffs assert the company has marketed its Craisins Dried Cranberries and Cranberry Bites products as "a wholesome snack you can feel good about," while the products allegedly contain added sugar. The complaint asserts added sugar in food and beverage products as been linked to increased risk of various health conditions, allegedly including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, metabolic disease and liver disease.
The plaintiffs seek to expand the action to include potentially anyone in the U.S. and California who purchased those particular products in the past four years.
The plaintiffs are seeking unspecified damages, including compensatory and punitive damages, plus attorney fees.
Plaintiffs are represented by attorneys Jack Fitzgerald, Melanie R. Monroe, Trevor Flynn and Caroline S. Emhardt, of the firm of Fitzgerald Monroe Flynn PC, of San Diego.