Recent Target class actions allege false advertising, data collection, more

Target class action lawsuits overview: 

• Who: Consumers recently filed multiple class action lawsuits against Target Corp. A product recall also affects products sold at the retailer.
• Why: The class action lawsuits involve claims of false advertising, unlawful collection of  private information and biometric data, and benzene contamination. The recall involves white-coated confectionery items distributed to Target locations nationwide. 
• Where: The class action lawsuits were filed in U.S. federal courts. 

Consumers recently filed multiple class action lawsuits against Target Corp. over claims involving false advertising, benzene contamination and unlawful collection of private information and biometric data. 

A recall announced this month for white-coated confectionery items also affects Target as the recalling company distributed the products to Target locations nationwide. 

Target pasta sauce not free of artificial preservatives as advertised, class action claims 

A consumer filed a class action lawsuit against Target earlier this month over claims the retailer falsely advertises its Good and Gather Pasta Sauce products are free of artificial preservatives. 

The class action lawsuit claims the Good and Gather Pasta Sauce products contain a synthetic form of citric acid “derived from heavy chemical chemical processing.”

“Defendant’s packaging, labeling and advertising scheme is intended to give consumers the impression that they are buying a premium product that is free from preservatives,” the Target class action says. 

Class action claims Target unlawfully collected consumers’ private info via emails

A consumer filed a class action lawsuit against Target in May over claims the retailer unlawfully collects the private information of consumers who open its marketing emails. 

The class action lawsuit claims Target violates the privacy of its email subscribers by embedding hidden spy tracking pixels, which capture and log sensitive information, within its marketing emails.

“[Target’s] invasive surveillance of plaintiff’s sensitive reading habits and clandestine collection of his confidential email records invaded his privacy and intruded upon his seclusion,” the Target class action says.

Class action claims Target unlawfully collects biometric data of Illinois customers 

A consumer filed a class action lawsuit against Target in April over claims the retailer unlawfully collected the biometric data of consumers in the state of Illinois. 

The class action lawsuit claims Target uses cameras and advanced surveillance systems in its store locations to “surreptitiously collect, possess or otherwise obtain” the biometric data of its customers, in violation of llinois’ Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA). 

“Target’s practice of collecting, storing and using individuals’ biometric data without obtaining informed written consent violates all three prongs of … (BIPA),” the Target class action says. 

Target sold acne treatment products with unsafe benzene levels, class action claims

A consumer filed a class action lawsuit against Target in March over claims the company sold benzoyl peroxide acne treatment products containing unsafe levels of the human carcinogen benzene. 

The class action lawsuit alleges Target failed in its responsibility to ensure the benzoyl peroxide acne treatment products were made in accordance with quality, safety and purity standards. 

“[Benzoyl peroxide] products should not contain benzene, nor degrade into benzene, except under extraordinary circumstances,” the Target class action says.

Target affected by recall of white-coated confectionery items 

A recall Palmer Candy Co. announced earlier this month for its white-coated confectionery items affects Target, as well as Walmart, HyVee and Dollar General locations nationwide. 

Palmer Candy issued the recall over concerns the white-coated confectionery items may have been contaminated with salmonella. 

Are you affected by these Target class action lawsuits or the confectionary items recall? Let us know in the comments.

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