Target accused of having preservatives in mac-and-cheese despite box’s claim

Target is being sued over allegations that its store-brand boxed macaroni and cheese contains ingredients that can help preserve food - despite being marketed as free of preservatives.Plaintiff Kiana Vaughan filed the class-action lawsuit against Target Corporation on October 22 in New York federal court, accusing the retailer of misleading consumers with labels that advertise its mac and cheese as containing “no artificial flavors, preservatives or synthetic colors” or “no artificial preservatives,” according to the Top Class Actions website. The lawsuit alleges the products contain known preservatives citric acid, lactic acid powder and sodium phosphate. The FDA classifies citric acid and lactic acid as ingredients that can regulate acidity and help preserve food, though they are not necessarily classified as artificial preservatives.The complaint names eight varieties sold under Target’s Good & Gather and Market Pantry brands. The products include Good & Gather 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.Market Pantry’s Macaroni & Cheese, Macaroni & Cheese Spirals and Deluxe Shells are also named in the suit.The class action lawsuit alleges Target misleads shoppers into believing its mac and cheese is preservative-free and healthier than competing products (Getty)Vaughan claims that Target’s packaging gives shoppers the impression that its mac and cheese is free of preservatives and is a healthier or higher-quality option than competing products.“Overall, the product labels are designed to lead consumers to believe the products do not contain preservatives and are superior or healthier,” the lawsuit states.The complaint also argues that consumers are increasingly willing to pay more for foods marketed as preservative-free because they believe those products are better for them.Target capitalized on that demand by advertising its products with preservative-related claims that do not accurately reflect their ingredients, Vaughan alleges.The plaintiff says she and other shoppers were misled into buying products they otherwise would have avoided or paying more than they would have if the packaging had been accurate.The suit targets eight Good & Gather and Market Pantry mac and cheese varieties marketed as preservative-free despite containing ingredients that can help preserve food (Target)The lawsuit seeks to represent consumers across the U.S. who purchased the affected products within the applicable statute of limitations period.Vaughan accuses Target of violating New York consumer protection laws and unjust enrichment. She seeks a jury trial, declaratory and injunctive relief, statutory and punitive damages, attorneys’ fees and costs, as well as other penalties.The Independent has contacted Target for comment.Target is also facing a separate lawsuit filed in March over claims that its Good & Gather tuna is falsely marketed as sustainably caught.