A federal judge in California ruled that a proposed class action claiming Barilla’s packaging implies its USA-made pasta comes from Italy can move forward, the Iowa Capital Dispatch reported on October 21, 2022.
The case
- Plaintiffs Matthew Sinatro and Jessica Prost say they bought Barilla spaghetti and angel hair believing it was made in Italy.
- They cite the slogan “Italy’s No. 1 brand of pasta” and package colors patterned on the Italian flag.
- Barilla’s USA pasta is made in Ames, Iowa, and Avon, New York, and the boxes say “Made in the USA.”
- Barilla argued the slogan only invokes its Italian roots. U.S. District Judge Donna M. Ryu denied its motion to dismiss.
The case is a reverse twist on most origin disputes: the product is USA-made, and the question is whether the marketing suggests a foreign origin.
FAQ
Where is Barilla’s USA pasta made?
Ames, Iowa, and Avon, New York.
What is the claim?
That packaging suggests the pasta is made in Italy.
Who is the judge?
U.S. District Judge Donna M. Ryu.
Source & credit
Source: Iowa Capital Dispatch, October 21, 2022: “Iowa-made pasta sparks lawsuit over alleged ‘made in Italy’ marketing”.