Metamucil class action claims products contain dangerous levels of lead

Metamucil class action lawsuit overview:

• Who: Plaintiff Regina Pellegrino filed a class action lawsuit against The Procter & Gamble Co.
• Why: P&G allegedly falsely advertises its Metamucil products as healthy and effective even though they contain added sugar and dangerous levels of lead.
• Where: The Metamucil lead content class action lawsuit was filed in New York federal court.

The Procter & Gamble Co. is facing a class action lawsuit alleging its fiber supplement Metamucil is falsely advertised as being safe and effective yet fails to disclose to consumers that the product contains dangerous amounts of lead.

Plaintiff Regina Pellegrino says she purchased orange-flavored Metamucil made with real sugar on multiple occasions between 2020 and 2022. She says she relied on P&G’s claims that the product was safe and healthy for consumption and would provide the advertised health benefits.

Had she known that the Metamucil product contained unsafe levels of lead, she would not have purchased it or paid a premium for it, the Metamucil class action lawsuit alleges.

Metamucil lead content poses health risks, plaintiff says

Lead exposure reportedly poses a host of potential health risks, and exposure is particularly harmful for children.

“At high levels of exposure, lead attacks the brain and central nervous system, and can cause convulsions, comas and death,” the Metamucil class action lawsuit says. “Moreover, children who survive lead poisoning may be left intellectually disabled or with behavioral disorders.”

Additionally, lead exposure can cause anemia, hypertension, renal impairment, toxicity to the reproductive organs, type 2 diabetes and cancer, the Metamucil lead class action says.

Independent laboratory testing in July 2023 reportedly found high Metamucil lead content, with each serving containing significantly more than the daily limit allowable under California’s Proposition 65.

Pellegrino points out that California implemented Proposition 65, which sets forth a maximum allowable dose level of 0.5 micrograms per day, to help consumers avoid adverse health effects from consuming lead.

Metamucil class action: Products falsely advertised as safe, effective

P&G markets its Metamucil products as safe and effective at providing health benefits such as digestive health, appetite control and healthy blood sugar levels, Pellegrino says.

However, not only does P&G not disclose the unhealthy Metamucil lead content, but the products also contain added sugar that allegedly damage digestive health, decrease appetite control and harm blood sugar levels.

Pellegrino also notes that each Metamucil product includes a “Doctor Recommended” statement that “adds credibility” to the claims that the products are healthy, safe and effective even though they do not provide the promised health benefits and may put consumers’ health at risk.

Pellegrino seeks to represent a class of New York consumers who purchased one or more Metamucil products in the last three years.

The Metamucil class action lawsuit asserts claims for unfair and deceptive business practices and false advertising.

A Metamucil class action lawsuit filed last year in California federal court says P&G falsely markets Metamucil products as providing certain health benefits that they do not provide.

What do you think about the Metamucil lead content allegations? Join the discussion in the comments!

Pellegrino is represented by Jack Fitzgerald of Fitzgerald Joseph LLP.

The Metamucil lead class action lawsuit is Regina Pellegrino v. The Procter & Gamble Co., Case No. 7:23-cv-10631, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.

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