United States District Court, Northern District of California
CPM and another firm represent consumers in a class action against corporate giant Unilever. One of Unilever’s many products, “I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter,” falsely advertises that it offers a healthy alternative to butter, as a purportedly fat-free and calorie-free spray. Innocent consumers, many of whom have been given directives from their physicians to avoid fatty and high calorie foods, have relied upon I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter’s promises, when in fact, the product contained 1295 calories and 137 grams of fat per 12-ounce bottle. Yet, to rake in profits, Unilever included statements on the nutrition panel claiming, “Calories 0” and “Total Fat 0g per serving.” Similarly, the front label stated “0 Calories per serving” and “0g fat per serving.” These misrepresentations misled and deceived all purchasers during the class period, who paid a hefty premium for false promises and put their health at risk. The suit alleges Unilever violated California and Missouri consumer protection statutes by making nutrient content claims that misled reasonable consumers to believe the heavy premium was worth the benefits.
