- On June 23, 2020, a plaintiff filed a complaint against Pret A Manger in the United States District Court Southern District of New York. The lawsuit seeks to remedy the “deceptive and misleading business practices” of Pret A Manger with respect to the marketing and sales of its “natural” food products throughout the State of New York and throughout the country.
- In the complaint, plaintiff states that Pret A Manger manufactures, sells, and distributes its products using a marketing and advertising campaign centered around claims that appeal to health-conscious consumers (i.e., that its products are “natural”). The lawsuit states that through its retail establishments, Pret A Manger includes prominent signage with statements, like “freshly prepared, good, natural food,” “natural food,” and “lovingly handmade throughout the day (with amazing, natural ingredients).” However, plaintiff alleges that Pret A Manger’s advertising and marketing campaign is false, deceptive, and misleading because the products contain soya, a genetically modified organism, as well as numerous other synthetic ingredients, including maltodextrin, citric acid, lactic acid, malic acid, diacetyl tartaric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides, mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids, and ascorbic acid.
- By way of background, in March 2019, a different plaintiff filed a lawsuit against Pret A Manger claiming its marketing campaign is deceptive because its products contain soya as well as glyphosate, a synthetic biocide. Eventually, the plaintiff voluntarily dismissed the March 2019 lawsuit. We will continue to monitor any developments in regard to the June 23, 2020 complaint.