A consumer has filed a class action lawsuit against the Target Corporation, alleging that the retail giant misled consumers by labeling its Good & Gather pasta sauces as containing "No Artificial Colors, Flavors or Preservatives," despite the presence of citric acid, an artificial preservative.
According to the lawsuit filed by plaintiff LaTonya Wright, Target's labeling of the products is false and misleading, deceiving health-conscious consumers into purchasing products they believed were free from artificial preservatives. The plaintiff argues that citric acid is widely recognized as an artificial preservative with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, contrary to Target's marketing claims. The complaint further alleges that Target has profited unjustly from these deceptive practices and violated New York General Business Law §§ 349 and 350. Additionally, Wright accuses Target of breaching express warranty and seeks restitution for unjust enrichment.
Wright asserts that she purchased the Tomato Basil & Garlic pasta sauce from a Brooklyn Target store in December 2024, relying on the product's label, which claimed it contained no artificial preservatives. She contends that had she known about the presence of citric acid, she would not have purchased the product or would have paid less for it. The lawsuit highlights consumer demand for preservative-free foods and argues that Target exploited this preference to increase sales.
Wright is seeking certification of the class action and subclass under Rule 23 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure; compensatory and statutory damages; prejudgment interest; restitution; injunctive relief requiring corrective advertising by Target; and reasonable attorneys' fees and costs.
The plaintiff is represented by attorneys Joseph I. Marchese and Israel Rosenberg of Bursor & Fisher, P.A. The case was filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New Yorku under Case No. 1:25-cv-02162.