Kraft Mac & Cheese Class Action Lawsuit Moves Forward

Case Overview: A judge has ruled that a class action lawsuit against Kraft Mac & Cheese over alleged artificial preservatives can move forward, despite Kraft Heinz's attempts to dismiss the case.

Consumers Affected: Consumers who purchased Kraft Mac & Cheese products.

Court: U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois

Kraft Heinz will have to defend itself in court against claims that it misled consumers about the ingredients in its popular Kraft Mac & Cheese. A federal judge ruled that the proposed class action lawsuit alleging false advertising regarding artificial preservatives can move forward.

Judge Mary Rowland said that the plaintiffs, consumers from Illinois, California, and New York, presented plausible accusations against Kraft when they argued its macaroni and cheese contains synthetic citric acid and sodium phosphates. 

The plaintiffs allege the ingredients function as artificial preservatives, contradicting the product’s label that promises “No Artificial Flavors, Preservatives, or Dyes.”

While Kraft Heinz has repeatedly denied the allegations and sought to dismiss the case, Judge Rowland backed the consumers stating, “These allegations are enough to withstand a motion to dismiss,” Reuters reports.

Consumers Claim Artificial Preservatives in Kraft Mac & Cheese

The proposed class action lawsuit alleges that the labels on Kraft Mac & Cheese products' claim of no artificial preservatives is false because the product includes synthetic citric acid, a commonly used preservative that extends shelf life by inhibiting mold and bacteria growth.

One plaintiff alleges she purchased the mac and cheese multiple times, relying on the label’s promises, only to later discover the alleged misrepresentation. She accuses Kraft of engaging in “unlawful, unfair, and fraudulent business practices” that gave the company an unfair advantage over competitors.

Kraft Heinz Denies False Advertising Allegations

Kraft Heinz has denied the claims, maintaining that its Mac & Cheese products do not contain artificial preservatives, flavors, or dyes. “We stand fully behind our product and are proud of its quality,” the company said following Judge Rowland’s decision. “We strongly believe that this lawsuit has no merit and look forward to our day in court.”

The company argued in court filings that the plaintiffs failed to provide sufficient evidence of artificial preservatives in its products or demonstrate that reasonable consumers would interpret its ingredients as artificial. 

Kraft Heinz Faces Other Lawsuits

This lawsuit is not Kraft Heinz’s first legal battle over its labeling practices. The company recently faced a class action lawsuit regarding Velveeta Shells & Cheese, where plaintiffs claimed the cheese sauce was more reliant on oils than actual cheese.

In another case, a federal judge dismissed claims about misleading cooking times for microwaveable Velveeta Mac & Cheese. Additionally, Kraft has faced scrutiny for alleged harmful chemicals in its Lunchables products, including accusations of lead and cadmium contamination, following a report by Consumer Reports.

Case Details

• Lawsuit: Hayes, et al. v. Kraft Heinz Co.
• Case Number: 23-16596
• Court: U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois

Do you eat Kraft Mac & Cheese? What are your thoughts on this lawsuit? Share your opinion in the comments below.