Reynolds Consumer Products was sued in a proposed class action in Manhattan federal court claiming its “Foil Made in U.S.A.” label on Reynolds Wrap misleads shoppers, Reuters reported on March 28, 2024.
The claims
- The complaint, filed March 27 by Bronx resident Anaya Washington, says substantially all bauxite in the foil comes from outside the USA, which produces very little of the ore.
- It says much of that bauxite is turned into alumina and then aluminum abroad before reaching USA mills.
- It points to the FTC rule that unqualified Made in USA products must be all or virtually all made in the USA, raw materials included.
- It argues the three stars beside the claim reinforce it, and seeks at least $5 million for New York buyers since March 26, 2021.
Part of a wave
The case is among several aluminum suits built on the bauxite theory, alongside later filings against Walmart and Handi-Foil. The claims against Reynolds are allegations and have not been proven.
FAQ
What does the suit say is wrong?
That “Foil Made in U.S.A.” misleads because the bauxite, and much of the alumina and aluminum, comes from abroad.
Where was it filed?
In federal court in Manhattan, under New York consumer law.
Has Reynolds been found liable?
No. These are allegations.
Source & credit
Source: Reuters, March 28, 2024: “Reynolds Wrap aluminum foil isn’t ‘Made in USA,’ lawsuit claims”, by Jonathan Stempel.
Also: Washington v. Reynolds Consumer Products, No. 1:24-cv-02327 (S.D.N.Y.), amended complaint.