ZaZa class action lawsuit overview:
- Who: Plaintiff Ronald Bemis filed a class action lawsuit against MRSS Inc.
- Why: Bemis claims MRSS failed to disclose that its ZaZa products contain an active ingredient that can cause addiction.
- Where: The ZaZa class action lawsuit was filed in Georgia federal court.
A new nationwide class action lawsuit alleges MRSS Inc. failed to disclose that its ZaZa products contain an active ingredient that can cause addiction and painful withdrawal symptoms.
Plaintiff Ronald Bemis argues in the ZaZa class action that the products contain tianeptine, which he describes as a “full μ-receptor opioid agonist that can lead to severe psychological or physical dependence.”
Bemis claims tianeptine shares characteristics with controlled substances such as morphine, methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl and phencyclidine.
Bemis argues ZaZa products are a “gas station drug” that aim to mimic the effects of harder drugs, earning tianeptine the nickname “gas station heroin.”
Withdrawal symptoms for users of tianeptine are similar to those of “traditional opioid withdrawal,” Bemis claims, naming a wide array of symptoms such as hyperactivity, insomnia, tremors and nausea.
ZaZa class action: MRSS failed to disclose addiction risk
Bemis alleges MRSS failed to disclose that its ZaZa products could cause addiction and claims he never would have purchased the products had he known about “the extreme risk of addiction.”
“In making consumers addicted to the ZaZa products, defendant has created an unreasonable health hazard,” the ZaZa class action lawsuit says.
Bemis wants to represent a nationwide class of consumers who purchased a ZaZa product, along with an Illinois subclass of consumers who purchased a ZaZa product in the state.
The ZaZa class action lawsuit claims MRSS is guilty of fraudulent concealment, breach of implied warranty and negligent failure to warn and of violating the Illinois Consumer Fraud Act.
Bemis demands a jury trial and requests declaratory and injunctive relief and an award of actual, compensatory, statutory, nominal and punitive damages for himself and all class members.
In other drug related news, a Florida judge has allowed a class action to proceed against Philip Morris and Swedish Match alleging Zyn nicotine pouches are deceptively marketed to young people despite high levels of pharmaceutical-grade nicotine that can cause long-term addiction and health risks.
Have you ever purchased a ZaZa product? Let us know in the comments.
Bemis is represented by Brittany S. Scott of Smith Krivoshey PC.
The ZaZa class action lawsuit is Bemis, et al. v. MRSS Inc., Case No. 1:25-cv-03485, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia.
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