Target faces class action lawsuit over ‘no preservatives’ claims on mac and cheese

Target class action lawsuit overview:

• Who: Plaintiff Kiana Vaughan filed a class action lawsuit against Target Corp.
• Why: Vaughan claims Target falsely advertises its mac and cheese products as preservative-free.
• Where: The Target class action lawsuit was filed in New York federal court.

A new class action lawsuit alleges Target falsely advertises many of its boxed macaroni and cheese products as preservative-free.

Plaintiff Kiana Vaughan filed the class action lawsuit against Target on Oct. 22 in New York federal court, alleging violations of state consumer laws.

According to Vaughan, Target’s boxed mac and cheese products are labeled as containing “No Artificial Flavors, Preservatives or Synthetic Colors” or “No Artificial Preservatives” despite containing the known preservatives citric acid, lactic acid powder and sodium phosphate.

The products in question include the Good & Gather brand’s White Cheddar Macaroni & Cheese, Shells & Aged Cheddar Macaroni and Cheese, Shells & White Cheddar Macaroni & Cheese, Elbows & Classic Cheddar Macaroni & Cheese and the basic Macaroni & Cheese. Other products targeted are Market Pantry’s Macaroni & Cheese, Macaroni & Cheese Spirals and Deluxe Shells.

The plaintiff seeks to represent anyone who purchased these products in the United States within the applicable statute of limitations period.

Target mac and cheese labels mislead consumers, lawsuit claims

The Target class action lawsuit claims the company misleads consumers by labeling its products as preservative-free.

“Overall, the product labels are designed to lead consumers to believe the products do not contain preservatives and are superior or healthier,” the lawsuit states while arguing the use of the words  “No Preservatives” and “Organic” reinforce this false perception.  

Vaughan argues that consumers have significant demand for preservative-free products and are willing to pay more for them because they believe, rightly or wrongly, that such products are superior.

The plaintiff alleges Target seeks to capitalize on the premium consumers place on preservative-free products by falsely labeling and packaging its products.

As a result of Target’s false and deceptive labeling, Vaughan and the proposed class members have been misled, have purchased products they otherwise would not have purchased and have paid more for products than they otherwise would have paid, she says.

The Target class action lawsuit asserts claims for violations of New York’s consumer protection laws and unjust enrichment.

Vaughan demands a jury trial and seeks declaratory and injunctive relief, statutory and punitive damages, other penalties, attorneys’ fees and costs.

Currently, Target is facing a separate class action lawsuit alleging it falsely markets its Good and Gather tuna products as being sustainably caught.

What do you think of the claims made in this Target mac and cheese class action lawsuit? Let us know in the comments.

The plaintiff is represented by Carlos F. Ramirez and Michael R. Reese of Reese LLP.

The Target class action lawsuit is Vaughan v. Target Corp., Case No. 7:26-cv-09281, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.

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