Deceptive Food Label Lawsuits: Consumer Rights, Claims, and Settlements

Why Consumers Can Legally Challenge Deceptive Food Labeling and Marketing

Shoppers rely on clear, honest food labels to know exactly what they are buying and eating. When companies distort the truth through deceptive food labeling or misleading marketing—by overstating nutritional benefits, hiding certain ingredients, or making unverified health claims—they break consumer trust and potentially cause real harm. U.S. law recognizes the danger of such practices and gives individuals the legal right to pursue claims for compensation and accountability.

At the federal level, the Federal Trade Commission Act (FTCA) forbids any “unfair or deceptive acts or practices” in commerce, a rule that extends to both general advertising and food labeling. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) enforces these protections, investigating false nutritional claims, misleading product imagery, and deceptive packaging.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), through the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA), specifically regulates how food labels display ingredients, nutrition facts, and health-related statements. Most states also maintain Unfair and Deceptive Acts and Practices (UDAP) laws, giving consumers additional avenues to sue over misleading food labeling.

Forms of Deceptive Food Labeling

Misrepresentation in food labeling can appear in many ways, including:

• False nutrient claims such as “high in protein” or “supports heart health” without credible evidence
• Ingredient misstatements like omitting additives, allergens, or artificial components
• Visual misdirection through images that imply higher quality or different ingredients
• Greenwashing, where packaging exaggerates environmental or sustainability credentials
• Misleading origin claims, suggesting local or organic sourcing when untrue

Such tactics can prompt consumers to pay more than a product is worth or to choose items they might otherwise avoid.

If deceptive food labels cause a loss—financial, health-related, or both—consumers can file lawsuits to recover damages. Remedies may include:

• Reimbursement for the cost of the falsely marketed product
• Punitive damages if the company acted deliberately and egregiously
• Injunctive orders to halt deceptive labeling or advertising
• Restitution requiring the company to return profits made from misleading sales

Many cases are brought as class actions, which combine similar claims from multiple consumers, increasing efficiency and legal leverage.

Proving a Deceptive Food Labeling Claim

Typically, a plaintiffs must demonstrate the following to have a viable case:

1. The food labeling or marketing was inaccurate or misleading
2. The misrepresentation was material—likely to influence a purchase decision
3. The buyer relied on the misleading label or advertisement
4. That reliance led to a measurable loss or injury

Truthful food labeling protects more than individual buyers—it ensures a fair, competitive market and fosters long-term consumer confidence in the food industry. Without strong enforcement, misleading food labels could become widespread, leaving consumers unprotected and trust in brands severely damaged.

When companies engage in deceptive marketing, they may be held liable in consumer fraud class action lawsuits. Practices like mislabeling products, or other violations of consumer protection laws, are unacceptable betrayals of trust. You can help hold these companies accountable.

The Lyon Firm is a highly-rated product liability and consumer safety law firm headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio. We represent plaintiffs nationwide in individual claims and consumer safety class action lawsuits.

If you need consumer protection representation, contact our offices today at (513) 381-2333 for a free, confidential, no-obligation consultation.