Might 19 (Reuters) – A federal decide in Illinois has dismissed a lawsuit accusing Mondelez Worldwide Inc (MDLZ.O) of deceiving shoppers into believing its Trident “Authentic Taste” gum contained actual mint.
U.S. District Decide Iain Johnston stated it was “fanciful” to imagine cheap shoppers would count on the gum to include mint or peppermint as a result of its packaging featured an “unnaturally blue” leaf with condensation bubbles.
He stated the proposed class motion by Sycamore, Illinois resident Kristen Lesorgen was “similar to” a case in opposition to Walmart Inc (WMT.N), the place one other Illinois decide in February dismissed claims over that retailer’s Nice Worth Fudge Mint Cookies.
“Mondelez’s labeling was not misleading, deceptive, or false as a matter of regulation,” Johnston wrote.
“At most, Trident ‘Authentic Taste’ packaging hints that its taste is mint, not that its components embody mint or peppermint,” he added. “The packaging does not even use the phrase ‘mint.’ Additional, mint leaves in a backyard are inexperienced.”
The lawsuit coated shoppers in Illinois and eight different U.S. states, and accused Chicago-based Mondelez of violating numerous shopper safety legal guidelines.
Johnston dismissed the case with prejudice, which means it can’t be introduced once more. The decide works in Rockford, Illinois.
Legal professionals for Lesorgen didn’t instantly reply to requests for remark. Mondelez and its legal professionals didn’t instantly reply to related requests.
The case is Lesorgen v Mondelez Worldwide LLC, U.S. District Court docket, Northern District of Illinois, No. 22-50375.
Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York
Enhancing by Alistair Bell
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