Driscoll's is facing two proposed class action lawsuits alleging the company failed to disclose the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as "forever chemicals," in its strawberries.
Both complaints allege that Driscoll's marketed and labeled its strawberries as being produced "subject to rigorous food safety and quality standards" while failing to disclose the alleged "presence, risk of, and/or use of persistent fluorinated pesticide compounds" associated with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
The complaints allege that Driscoll's violated various state consumer protection and false advertising laws, including statues in California, Illinois, Massachusetts, New York, and New Jersey.
"Driscoll’s does not market its strawberries as a mere agricultural commodity," the complaints state, alleging the company has built a brand around "exceptional quality, safety, scientific innovation, and consumer trust."
A spokesperson for Driscoll's addressed the claims in a statement shared with NTD via email on Thursday, saying the company rejects the allegations in the lawsuit as being "without merit."
"As a family-owned company, food safety, quality, and integrity are fundamental to who we are. We maintain robust food safety and compliance programs and rigorous standards designed to support compliance with applicable regulatory requirements," the statement reads. "For more than 100 years, we have worked to earn the trust of our customers by communicating responsibly about our products and our growing practices, and we remain committed to that responsibility every day.”
The plaintiffs are seeking injunctive and monetary relief, including an order requiring Driscoll's to disclose the alleged presence of PFAS in its strawberries, along with related health and environmental risks associated with exposure to the chemicals. The complaints also ask Driscoll's to reimburse class members for any money they paid as a result of the company's "unlawful conduct."