Reynolds Consumer Products must face a proposed class action claiming its “Foil Made in USA” label misleads shoppers, a federal judge in Manhattan ruled on March 3, 2025, Reuters reported.
The ruling
- U.S. District Judge Andrew Carter said consumers can try to prove Reynolds violated New York consumer protection laws.
- The complaint, filed in March 2024 by Anaya Washington of the Bronx, says nearly all the bauxite in the foil comes from outside the USA, and much of it is turned into aluminum abroad.
- Reynolds called it “another lawyer-driven class action.” The judge said Washington plausibly alleged she paid more because of the label.
- The suit seeks at least $5 million. The case is Washington v. Reynolds Consumer Products LLC, S.D.N.Y., No. 24-02327.
Why it matters for Made in USA
The case asks how far back in the supply chain a Made in USA claim must reach. The FTC’s rule looks at raw materials too, and the ore in aluminum foil is mostly imported. The case later reached class certification; see our July 2026 update.
FAQ
Who is the judge?
U.S. District Judge Andrew Carter in Manhattan.
What is the claim?
That “Foil Made in USA” is misleading because most bauxite and much aluminum processing are foreign.
How much is sought?
At least $5 million.
Source & credit
Source: Reuters, March 3, 2025: “Reynolds Wrap maker must face lawsuit over ‘Made in USA’ claim”, by Jonathan Stempel. Full text via U.S. News.