Hershey’s Co. sued over 'misleading' White Reese’s packaging
By Alexandra Deabler | Fox News
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White Reese’s lovers have been duped — at least that’s what a class-action lawsuit alleges.
The Hershey’s Co., the maker of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, is being sued over its “White Reese’s” packaging over claims that it is misleading to consumers.
Curtis Winston and Jane Doe, on behalf of themselves and others, filed a complaint on June 26 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York against The Hershey Co., alleging that the light-colored alternative to the fan-favorite milk chocolate version uses deceptive marketing because it does not contain “white chocolate,” Legal Newsline reported.
The peanut butter cups are instead covered in a “white crème,” which is listed on the company’s website. However, the complainants insist that as the other flavors – milk and dark chocolate – are actual chocolate, consumers assume the white version is made with white chocolate.
The White Reese’s wrapper does not say “white chocolate.”
"Defendant has taken affirmative steps for consumers to mistakenly believe the products contain white chocolate and has intentionally failed to correct the misimpressions," the suit states, Legal Newsline reported. "The absence of any modifying term before or after 'white' renders the products misleading because consumers are not able to differentiate between white chocolate and cheaper substitutes like compound or confectionary coating made from vegetable oils when the term 'white' is applied to a product traditionally associated with chocolate."
The pair, on behalf of others, are suing over deceptive trade practices, negligent misrepresentation, breach of express and implied warranty, fraud and unjust enrichment, the legal site reported.
Hershey's responded to Fox News, stating that they do not comment on pending litigation.
