Sara Lee sued for falsely claiming Artesano bread has no artificial preservatives

Sara Lee bread class action overview:

• Who: A consumer filed a class action lawsuit against Bimbo Bakeries USA Inc.
• Why: The plaintiff claims Bimbo falsely advertises its Sara Lee Artesano Bakery Bread products as being free from artificial preservatives.
• Where: The Sara Lee class action lawsuit was filed in New York federal court.

A new class action lawsuit alleges Bimbo Bakeries falsely advertises its Sara Lee Artesano Bakery Bread products as being free from artificial preservatives.

Plaintiffs Jessica Pardo and Sthorm Pyrane filed the class action complaint against Bimbo Bakeries on Nov. 17 in New York federal court, alleging violations of state and federal consumer laws.

The plaintiffs claim that the company prominently displays the phrase “Always baked without artificial colors, flavors & preservatives” on the packaging of its Artesano bread products, including Artesano Bakery Bread, Artesano Bakery Bread – Hawaiian Bread, Artesano Bakery Bread – Smooth Multigrain, Artesano Bakery Bread – Brioche and Artesano Bakery Bread – Golden Wheat.

However, the plaintiffs allege that these products contain citric acid, a known artificial preservative, contradicting the company’s marketing claims.

Sara Lee class action claims health conscious consumers misled by ‘free from’ claims

According to the lawsuit, there is a growing consumer demand for transparency in food labeling, particularly regarding claims of being “free from” artificial ingredients. 

The plaintiffs cite studies showing that a significant percentage of consumers are willing to pay more for products they perceive as healthier and more natural. They argue that this misrepresentation is designed to attract health-conscious consumers who prefer preservative-free foods. 

The Sara Lee class action accuses Bimbo Bakeries of unjustly profiting from this deceptive practice, as consumers are willing to pay a premium for products they believe are free from artificial additives.

The lawsuit alleges that Bimbo Bakeries’ actions violate New York General Business Law Sections 349 and 350, which prohibit deceptive acts and false advertising. The plaintiffs are seeking to represent a class of consumers who purchased the allegedly mislabeled products.

Class members are demanding Bimbo Bakeries correct its advertising practices and compensate consumers who were misled by the “free from” claims. They are also seeking damages for breach of express warranty and unjust enrichment.

In a similar case, Kraft Heinz was recently hit with a class action lawsuit alleging it falsely advertised its macaroni and cheese as containing “no preservatives,” even though it includes citric acid, which functions as a preservative.

What do you think of the claims made in this Sara Lee bread class action lawsuit? Let us know in the comments.

The plaintiffs are represented by Mari K. Bonthuis, Jennifer Kraus-Czeisler and Todd McClelland of Sterlington PLLC and Don Bivens of Don Bivens PLLC.

The Sara Lee bread class action lawsuit is Pardo, et al. v. Bimbo Bakeries USA Inc., Case No. 1:25-cv-06368, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York.

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