Splenda Essentials False Advertising Class Action Lawsuit

A federal class action lawsuit claims Johnson & Johnson and McNeil Nutritional misrepresent the supposed health benefits of Splenda Essentials, a no-calorie sweetener “fortified with antioxidants, B vitamins, or fiber.”

According to the Splenda Essentials class action lawsuit, J&J and McNeil Nutritional “command a premium price for Splenda Essentials by distinguishing it from regular Splenda and other no-calorie sugar substitutes, and marketing it as a sweetener that ‘gives you a small boost of healthy nutrients.’ On average, Defendants charge roughly 25% more for their Splenda Essentials line than original Splenda.”

The companies “bombard consumers with a message of purported health, and draw consumer attention away from the differences between artificially added nutrients and those found in whole foods,” the class action lawsuit continues. As a result, consumers are misled into believing Splenda Essentials can give them a faster metabolism, and provide the same health benefits as antioxidants and fiber found in whole foods.

“Reasonable consumers should not be forced to look beyond the deceptive representations on Splenda Essentials’ labels and marketing materials to discover the truth about fortified nutrients” vs. whole foods,” the Splenda Essentials class action lawsuit says.

The class action lawsuit is filed on behalf of all California residents who purchased Splenda Essentials at any time within the past four years. It is seeking restitution and disgorgement of profits, damages and injunctive relief.

A copy of the Splenda Essentials False Advertising Class Action Lawsuit can be read here.

The case is Barbara Bronson, et al. v. Johnson & Johnson, et al., Case No. 12-cv-4184, U.S. District Court, Northern District of California.