Tribe Hummus Hit With $5M ‘All Natural’ Class Action Lawsuit

A proposed $5 million “all natural” class action lawsuit has been filed against Tribe Mediterranean Foods for mislabeling its hummus products as “100% natural” when it allegedly contains synthetic ingredients as well as ingredients grown with genetically modified organisms (GMO).

Lead plaintiff Sarah M. of New York claims that over the past four years she has purchased an assortment of Tribe’s 10 different all natural hummus varieties under the assumption that they did not contain any artificial or synthetic ingredients. The plaintiff reportedly paid a premium for the all natural hummus based on Tribe’s marketing strategy.

According to the Tribe all natural class action lawsuit, the ingredients in all of their hummus varieties include canola oil and citric acid. In addition, Sarah claims that Tribe’s roasted red pepper hummus, roasted garlic hummus, and everything hummus contains potassium sorbate.

The all natural class action lawsuit states that all of those ingredients contain genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Sarah claims that canola oil is so processed that it “no longer bears any chemical resemblance to the rapeseed from which it is sourced.”

In addition, Sarah alleges that citric acid comes from genetically modified corn and sugar beets so it is not considered a natural ingredient.

The Tribe lawsuit claims that the hummus products that contain potassium sorbate should not be considered all natural as that ingredient is considered a preservative.

Sarah claims she filed the all natural class action lawsuit on behalf of herself and potentially millions of class members. She has accused Tribe Mediterranean Foods of negligent and intentional misrepresentation, breaches of express and implied warranty, unjust enrichment and fraud.

The Tribe hummus products in question include:  Classic, Sweet Roasted Pepper, Everything, Forty Spices, Spicy Red Pepper, Roasted Garlic, Mediterranean Style, Zesty Spice & Garlic, Spicy Chipotle, and Mediterranean Olive.

Understanding “All Natural” Food Labels

Market research shows that more than 50 percent of Americans actively shop for a “natural,” “all natural,” or “100% natural” products while grocery shopping. Studies have found that consumers are also willing to pay a higher price for a healthier product.

However, numerous all natural class action lawsuits claim that food companies falsely advertise their products as “natural” in an effort to generate higher sales.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) defines “natural” as products that do not have any added colors, artificial flavors, or synthetic substances.

Despite the clear definition, some food marketers intentionally deceive consumers into buying a product with an “all natural” label so customers are encouraged to always check the ingredients closely.

“All Natural” Food Lawsuits

A growing number of all natural class action lawsuits have been filed across the United States by consumers who feel misled through false advertising into purchasing a product that contained a synthetic ingredient.

In general, plaintiffs allege food companies used deceptive labeling tacts that any reasonable consumer would assume were accurate.

After discovering a food product contains non-natural ingredients, some consumers choose to take legal action by filing all natural class action lawsuits. 

Free All-Natural Food Label Class Action Lawsuit Investigation

Did you purchase a food product because the label said it was “Natural,” “All Natural,” “100% Natural” or used a similar term?

Some food products labeled “Natural,” “All Natural,” or “100% Natural” are not, in fact, natural because they contain unnatural ingredients, such as artificial additives, synthetic vitamins, and/or chemical preservatives.

Free Investigation