Ken’s Foods sued over ‘no artificial preservatives’ claim on salad dressing

Ken’s Foods salad dressing class action overview:

• Who: Plaintiff Judi Barreca filed a class action lawsuit against Ken’s Foods Inc.
• Why: Barreca claims Ken’s Foods falsely advertises its Simply Vinaigrette Italian dressing as being free of artificial preservatives.
• Where: The Ken’s Foods class action lawsuit was filed in New York state court.

A new class action lawsuit accuses Ken’s Foods of falsely advertising its Simply Vinaigrette Italian dressing as being free of artificial preservatives.

Plaintiff Judi Barreca’s class action lawsuit claims Ken’s Foods misbrands its Simply Vinaigrette Italian dressing product by promising it contains “no artificial preservatives” despite the ingredient list revealing it contains xanthan gum.

Barreca sayss xanthan gum is an artificial or synthetic ingredient that functions as a preservative in salad dressing.

“Xanthan gum is an ‘industrial additive,’ commercially manufactured by fermenting bacteria with glucose, sucrose or lactose,” the Ken’s Foods class action says.

Barreca wants to represent a New York class of consumers who purchased the Ken’s Foods Simply Vinaigrette Italian dressing for personal consumption in the state during the statute of limitations.

Ken’s Foods Simply Vinaigrette Italian dressing is ‘misbranded,’ plaintiff claims

Barreca argues the Simply Vinaigrette Italian dressing is misbranded since xanthan gum is considered a synthetic and/or non-natural ingredient by regulatory agencies.

“Xanthan gum’s ability to improve shelf life in foods, by preventing deterioration, is recognized by commercial sellers,” the Ken’s Foods class action says.

The lawsuit alleges Ken’s Foods is guilty of violating New York’s General Business Law and asks for a jury trial and an award of actual damages for the plaintiff and class members.

In 2024, an Illinois federal judge declined to dismiss a class action lawsuit against The Kraft Heinz Co. and Kraft Heinz Ingredients Corp., which alleges the company falsely marketed various macaroni and cheese products as free of artificial flavors, preservatives and dyes.

Do you believe Ken’s Foods falsely advertises its Simply Vinaigrette Italian dressing? Let us know in the comments.

The plaintiff is represented by Spencer Sheehan of Sheehan & Associates P.C.

The Ken’s Foods salad dressing class action lawsuit is Barreca v. Ken’s Foods Inc., Case No. 518219/2025, in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of Kings.

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