Welch’s class action claims light grape juice falsely advertised as containing no preservatives

Welch’s grape juice class action lawsuit overview: 

• Who: Veronica Bustamante filed a class action lawsuit against Welch Foods Inc. 
• Why: Bustamante claims Welch falsely advertises that its Welch’s Light Grape Juice product contains no artificial preservatives. 
• Where: The Welch’s class action lawsuit was filed in California federal court. 

Welch Foods falsely advertises that a Welch’s grape juice product contains no artificial flavors or preservatives, a new class action lawsuit alleges. 

Plaintiff Veronica Bustamante’s class action lawsuit claims the Welch’s Light Grape Juice product contains the artificial preservative ingredient ascorbic acid, and that Welch markets the beverage to give consumers the impression they are buying a “premium product” free of artificial preservatives. 

“The label for the Product prominently states that the Product contains ‘No Artificial Flavors or Preservatives’ thereby misleading reasonable consumers into believing that the Product is free from artificial preservatives,” the Welch’s grape juice class action states. 

Bustamante wants to represent a class of consumers who have purchased Welch’s Light Grape Juice in California within the applicable statute of limitations until the date of class notice. 

Welch’s grape juice contains synthetic ingredient ascorbic acid, class action says

Bustamante argues the United States Department of Agriculture has determined commercial ascorbic acid is “synthetically derived,” and, accordingly, is classified as a synthetic ingredient. 

The Food and Drug Administration also lists ascorbic acid as a preservative in its Overview of Food Ingredients, Additives and Colors, according to the Welch’s grape juice class action. 

“Ascorbic acid acts as a preservative when added to beverage products, including the Product at issue,” the Welch’s grape juice class action states. 

Bustamante claims Welch’s is guilty of breach of express warranty and of violating California’s Consumers Legal Remedies Act and Unfair Competition Law. The plaintiff demands a jury trial and requests declaratory and injunctive relief along with an award of damages for herself and all class members. 

A pair of consumers filed a similar class action lawsuit against Welch’s in November 2022 over claims the company falsely advertises that its fruit snacks contain no preservatives. 

Have you purchased Welch’s Light Grape Juice product in California? Let us know in the comments.

The plaintiff is represented by Michael T. Houchin of Crosner Legal, P.C. 

The Welch’s grape juice class action lawsuit is Bustamante v. Welch Foods Inc., Case No. 3:24-cv-00420, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California.

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