Milk-Bone dog biscuits contain synthetic preservatives despite ‘no artificial’ labeling, class action says

Milk-Bone class action overview:

• Who: Plaintiff Melissa Burkett filed a class action lawsuit against Big Heart Pet Brands Inc.
• Why: Burkett claims Big Heart Pet Brands falsely advertises its Milk-Bone Dipped dog treats as being free from artificial preservatives.
• Where: The Milk-Bone class action lawsuit was filed in California state court.

A new class action lawsuit claims Big Heart Pet Brands falsely advertises its Milk-Bone Dipped dog biscuits as containing “no artificial preservatives, colors or flavors,” even though they contain manufactured citric acid, an artificial preservative.

Plaintiff Melissa Burkett filed the Milk-Bone class action complaint against Big Heart Pet Brands on July 2 in California Superior Court, alleging violations of state consumer laws.

According to the class action lawsuit, the packaging for Milk-Bone Dipped Biscuits prominently displays the claim that the products contain “no artificial preservatives, colors or flavors.”

However, Burkett says the dog treats actually contain manufactured citric acid, which is used as a preservative.

Burkett alleges that this misrepresentation is intended to give consumers the impression that they are buying a premium product for their pets.

Artificial citric acid involves genetic modification and chemical solvents, Milk-Bone lawsuit claims

Burkett states that the citric acid used in Milk-Bone products is not natural but rather a synthetic form derived from heavy industrial processing.

The class action lawsuit alleges that this form of citric acid is manufactured using a type of black mold called Aspergillus niger, which has been genetically modified to enhance citric acid production.

Burkett’s complaint includes detailed scientific explanations of how this citric acid is produced, arguing that the process is artificial and involves genetic modification and chemical solvents.

The Milk-Bone class action lawsuit also cites various studies and expert opinions to support the claim that manufactured citric acid is not natural and can cause adverse health effects in dogs, such as digestive upset and allergic reactions.

Burkett seeks to represent a class of all consumers who purchased the Milk-Bone Dipped products in California. She is suing for violations of California’s Consumers Legal Remedies Act, Unfair Competition Law and breach of express warranty.

Burkett is seeking certification of the Milk-Bone class action lawsuit, damages, restitution and an injunction to prevent Big Heart Pet Brands from continuing to market the Milk-Bone Dipped products as free from artificial preservatives.

In a string of similar lawsuits now targeting pet food manufacturers, pet owners have accused Post Consumer Brands of falsely advertising Rachael Ray pet food products as containing no artificial preservatives.

What do you think of the allegations made in this Milk-Bone class action lawsuit? Let us know in the comments.

Burkett is represented by Craig W. Straub and Kurt D. Kessler of Crosner Legal P.C.

The Milk-Bone class action lawsuit is Burkett v. Big Heart Pet Brands Inc., Case No. 2:25-cv-07147, in the Superior Court of the State of California, Los Angeles County.

Read About More Class Action Lawsuits & Class Action Settlements:

• Toyota, Lexus, Subaru recall over 1 million vehicles due to camera issue
• Halloween email scare exposes UPenn data breach, leading to class action lawsuit
• LG hit with class action lawsuit over refrigerators that allegedly stop cooling without warning
• WestJet data breach class action alleges 1.2M customers’ info compromised