Class-action complaint has Target accused of having preservatives in mac and cheese despite label claim

What the lawsuit alleges

Kiana Vaughan filed the proposed class action against Target Corporation in New York federal court on October 22. The complaint says labels on the retailer’s boxed macaroni and cheese describe products as having “no artificial flavors, preservatives or synthetic colors” or “no artificial preservatives.” The lawsuit identifies citric acid, lactic acid powder and sodium phosphate as ingredients in the products. It says federal food regulators classify citric acid and lactic acid as substances that can control acidity and help preserve food, although they are not necessarily considered artificial preservatives.

Eight varieties are named

The complaint lists eight products from Target’s Good & Gather and Market Pantry brands. Good & Gather varieties include White Cheddar Macaroni & Cheese, Shells & Aged Cheddar Macaroni and Cheese, Shells & White Cheddar Macaroni & Cheese, Elbows & Classic Cheddar Macaroni & Cheese, and its basic Macaroni & Cheese.

The Market Pantry products named are Macaroni & Cheese, Macaroni & Cheese Spirals and Deluxe Shells. Vaughan says the packaging could lead shoppers to regard the products as preservative-free and as healthier or higher-quality choices.

Claims and requested relief

Vaughan alleges that consumers increasingly pay more for food promoted as free of preservatives, believing it to be better for them. She says Target’s claims do not accurately reflect the ingredients and that shoppers may have bought the products or paid more because of the labels.

Target has not commented

The Independent said it contacted Target for comment. The article does not report a response from the retailer. Target also faces a separate lawsuit filed in March concerning claims that its Good & Gather tuna is falsely marketed as sustainably caught.