Class action alleges Enfagrow toddler drinks make misleading nutrient claims

Enfagrow toddler class action overview: 

• Who: A group of consumers filed a class action lawsuit against Mead Johnson.
• Why: The plaintiffs allege the company makes unlawful claims about the nutrients in some of its toddler beverages. 
• Where: The Enfagrow toddler class action lawsuit was filed in a California federal court. 

The company that makes Enfagrow drinks for toddlers has been hit with a class action lawsuit alleging it misbrands the products with claims they have nutritional benefits, which is “strictly prohibited” by federal food safety watchdogs. 

Plaintiffs Chelsea Garland, Estelita Rey, and Zachary Williams filed the class action complaint against Mead Johnson on July 5 in a California federal court. They allege violations of state and federal consumer laws. 

According to the lawsuit, Mead Johnson deceptively labels and markets its Enfagrow PREMIUM Toddler Nutritional Drink and Enfagrow NeuroPro Toddler Nutritional Drink products. They allegedly do this to profit from parents’ increasing desire to buy food that provides physical health benefits for their kids. 

Drinks for toddlers marketed with nutrient claims, lawsuit says

The lawsuit alleges that these products are marketed specifically for children. The products have two prominently featured nutrient content claims on their packaging.

According to the lawsuit, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) strictly regulates nutrient content claims on food products especially those intended for children under the age of two. The plaintiffs state that according to FDA regulations, no claims of nutrient content are allowed on food products intended for this age group.

Despite this, the Enfagrow products allegedly make several nutrient content claims on their front labels.

These include statements like “IMMUNE HEALTH Dual Prebiotics & Vitamins,” “Supports BRAIN DEVELOPMENT Omega-3 DHA & Iron,” and “22 NUTRIENTS to help support growth.” The plaintiffs state that the claims are allegedly misleading and violate several federal and state regulations designed to protect consumers.

Drinks do not provide health benefits, parents say

The lawsuit alleges that Enfagrow’s labeling practices violate FDA regulations and mislead consumers into believing that the products offer significant health benefits.

The manufacturer’s claims allegedly suggest that the drinks support immune health, brain development, and overall growth. The lawsuit suggests that those claims deceive parents into purchasing these products at a premium price. 

The plaintiffs state that the manufacturer’s claims are not only unlawful but also potentially harmful to children.

Nutrient content claims on food products intended for children under two can mislead parents into thinking these products are necessary for their child’s health. 

The lawsuit alleges that these products might not provide the benefits they claim and could even be detrimental to a child’s nutritional and developmental needs. 

The complaint cites the American Academy of Pediatrics and other health experts. It states that they recommend that children under two receive nutrient-dense foods without added sugars. The plaintiffs allege that this is contrary to what Enfagrow’s products offer.

Drinks for toddlers under fire

The plaintiffs want to represent anyone in California who bought the products between 2021 and now. They are suing for violations of California consumer and advertising laws and seeking class action certification. The lawsuit seeks damages, fees, costs, and a jury trial. 

In 2020, three separate class action lawsuits were filed against Target Corp., Gerber Products Co., and Mead Johnson & Co. alleging their so-called “transition” toddler formulas — including Mead Johnson’s Enfragrow Premium Toddler Transitions — dupe parents into thinking the products adhere to the same standards as infant formula.

What do you think of the claims in this Enfagrow class action lawsuit? Let us know in the comments! 

The plaintiffs are represented by Tarek H. Zohdy, Cody R. Padgett, Laura E. Goolsby and Nathan N. Kiyam of Capstone Law APC.

The Enfagrow Class Action Lawsuit is Chelsea Garland et al v. Mead Johnson & Company LLC et al, Case No. 3:24-cv-01168-L-SBC in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California. 

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