Hain Celestial Group, Inc. has faced a number of lawsuits challenging the labeling and advertising of its various brands. In fact, since 2008, Hain has faced at least seven putative class actions as well as one action by a competitor. The suits have challenged the company’s use of “organic,” “natural,” “pure & natural,” “100% vegetarian,” and “raw” on products ranging from waffles, to juice, to cosmetics. In each case, the various plaintiffs have alleged that Hain’s labeling and advertising is misleading to consumers, misrepresents the quality or characteristics of the products, and amounts to false advertising. Hain has successfully defended four of those suits (see the article I wrote titled “Hain’s Legal Battles Offer Class Action Defense Strategies“). This past Friday, on November 14, 2014, Hain’s lost one battle (though not the war) when the court in Brown, et al., v. The Hain Celestial Group, No. 11-03082 LB, certified a class of buyers of certain products within The Hain Celestial Group’s brands Jason and Avalon Organics. In the case, the plaintiffs challenge Jason-brand tag line, “Pure, Natural, & Organic,” and the use of “organic” in the brand name, Avalon Organics. Continue reading “Class Certified in “Organic” Cosmetic Lawsuit Against The Hain Celestial Group” →
