Class Action Says American Tuna’s “Caught and Canned in the U.S.A.” Claims Are False

A class action filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York says San Diego-based American Tuna falsely markets its tuna as caught and canned in the United States.

The complaint says the company’s labels and marketing use phrases such as “Caught and Canned in the U.S.A.,” “Caught and Canned in America,” “American Made” and “100 percent American Made.” It says much of the tuna is actually caught outside USA waters and canned in other countries.

Key details

• The complaint says much of the company’s tuna is canned in Thailand, Costa Rica, Vietnam and other countries.
• American Tuna’s marketing says it sources albacore from the American Albacore Fishing Association fishery in Bonita, California.
• The plaintiff, Jeffrey Craig, says the company may use American-flagged vessels to fish in international waters.
• He is seeking a jury trial and damages.
• American Tuna did not respond to SeafoodSource’s request for comment.

“In reality, however, American Tuna sources an enormous volume of tuna from international waters and the territorial waters of other countries, and much of this tuna is canned in other countries as well.”

Class action complaint

FAQ

What does the lawsuit claim?

That American Tuna markets its tuna as caught and canned in the USA when much of it is caught in foreign or international waters and canned abroad.

Where was it filed?

U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.

Has the company responded?

It did not respond to SeafoodSource’s request for comment.