A proposed class action filed on August 14, 2022 in federal court in Buffalo, New York says Lactalis American Group labels its Président feta to suggest it comes from Greece or another European country, when it is made in the USA. Legal Newsline reported the case on August 18.
Spencer Sheehan, the plaintiffs’ attorney, filed the suit in the Western District of New York.
What the lawsuit points to
- “Feta” written in an ancient-Greek-style font.
- A gold olive branch around the Président name.
- The slogan “Europe’s Leading Cheese Expert.”
The complaint says the truth shows up only in small print on the bottom of the package: “over 80 years of French heritage” and “Dist. By Lactalis American Group, Inc., Buffalo NY.”
Why it matters
This is the reverse of a typical Made in USA case: a USA-made product accused of implying foreign origin. Keller and Heckman noted that courts have split on such claims. A “Belgium 1926” label was found to plausibly suggest European chocolate, while “Icelandic” skyr made in New York was read as a style.
FAQ
Where is the feta made?
In the USA, according to the lawsuit.
Where was the suit filed?
In federal court in Buffalo, New York.
Has a court ruled?
Not at the time of the report; the complaint states only one side.
Source & credit
Source: Legal Newsline, August 18, 2022: “Lawsuit says feta made in U.S.A. disguises itself as Greek”.
Also: Keller and Heckman via Lexology, August 22, 2022: “Class Action Alleges Feta Cheese Made in USA Misleadingly Suggests European Origin”.