Bob Evans class action lawsuit overview:
- Who: Plaintiff Michael Dotson filed a class action lawsuit against Post Holdings Inc., doing business as Bob Evans Farms LLC.
- Why: Dotson claims Bob Evans falsely marketed its macaroni and cheese products as containing “no artificial preservatives” despite allegedly including synthetic ingredients.
- Where: The class action lawsuit was filed in California state court.
A new class action lawsuit accuses Bob Evans of misleading consumers by labeling certain macaroni and cheese products as having “no artificial preservatives,” even though the products allegedly contain synthetic chemical additives.
Plaintiff Michael Dotson alleges Bob Evans violated California’s False Advertising Law and Unfair Competition Law by advertising its macaroni and cheese products as preservative-free while including ingredients such as sodium phosphate and lactic acid.
The class action lawsuit claims sodium phosphate and lactic acid function as artificial preservatives by preventing spoilage and extending shelf life.
Dotson argues reasonable consumers understand “no artificial preservatives” to mean the product does not contain chemically manufactured ingredients added to slow deterioration or inhibit microbial growth.
According to the complaint, sodium phosphate salts are synthetically produced compounds commonly used in food processing to prevent oxidation, enzymatic browning and bacterial growth. Lactic acid, on the other hand, is also industrially produced and used to prevent spoilage, the class action lawsuit alleges.
Bob Evans allegedly used misleading labels to drive consumer demand
The lawsuit says Bob Evans prominently displays the “no artificial preservatives” claim on the front of its macaroni and cheese packaging, leading consumers to believe the product is more natural and of higher quality than competing products.
Dotson claims he relied on this labeling when purchasing the product and would not have done so, or would have paid less, had he known it allegedly contained artificial preservatives.
Dotson seeks to represent a California class of consumers who purchased Bob Evans macaroni and cheese products within four years prior to the filing of the complaint. He alleges consumers paid a price premium for products marketed as preservative-free and were deprived of the benefit of their bargain.
The lawsuit alleges Bob Evans’ conduct allowed it to sell more products and at higher prices than it otherwise could have if the ingredients had been accurately disclosed. Dotson argues the alleged misrepresentations continue to harm consumers who are still exposed to the “no artificial preservatives” claims on store shelves.
Dotson is seeking injunctive relief to stop Bob Evans from continuing to use misleading labeling, along with restitution, disgorgement of profits, damages, attorneys’ fees and a jury trial.
Similarly, consumers sued Kraft Heinz over allegations that it falsely advertised its macaroni and cheese product as containing “no preservatives” when it actually contains citric acid, which functions as a preservative.
Have you ever purchased Bob Evans macaroni and cheese products? Let us know in the comments.
The plaintiff is represented by Todd M. Friedman of the Law Offices of Todd M. Friedman P.C.
The Bob Evans false labeling class action lawsuit is Dotson v. Post Holdings Inc. d/b/a Bob Evans Farms LLC, Case No. 2:25-cv-11993, in the Superior Court of the State of California, County of Los Angeles.
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12 thoughts onClass action claims Bob Evans falsely advertised macaroni and cheese as preservative-free
Yes I have bought Bob Evans macaroni and cheese. I have also visited their store lots of times.