Dr Brown’s water bottles release microplastics, class action lawsuit against Handi-Craft Co claims

A class action lawsuit has been filed against Craft business Inc., owner of the Dr. Brown’s brand, in federal court in California on June 25, 2024. Plaintiffs Alejandrina Cortez and Tuliisa Miller alleged that the company concealed the possibility that microplastics in their baby bottles could harm young children.

Allegations of deception

The plaintiffs alleged that the Handi-Craft Company engaged in a “campaign of reckless deception” by representing Dr. Brown’s baby bottles and sippy cups as safe for infants and young children. When used as intended, the products are said to release dangerous microplastic particles into infants’ food and drinks.

Health risks highlighted

The case highlighted the potential dangers that microplastics can pose to long-term health. The plaintiffs claim that these microplastics could harm children’s immune systems, reproductive systems and digestive tracts.

Purchases by the plaintiffs

Miller stated that in 2022 he paid about $20 for the Dr. Brown’s Natural Flow® Anti-Colic Options+TM Narrow Baby Bottle at a Target store in Contra Costa County. She claimed she was unaware that the bottles could leak microplastics under normal use. Had they been aware of the dangers, Miller and Cortez would not have purchased the product.

Consumer expectations

The lawsuit emphasized that safety of baby products is a top priority for customers when making a purchase. According to the plaintiffs, customers can reasonably expect manufacturers to alert them to safety issues. The plaintiffs argued that Handi-Craft Company failed to meet that expectation.

Details of the class action lawsuit

The plaintiffs sought to represent all American citizens who purchased Dr. Brown’s baby bottles without knowing the alleged dangers. They demanded a jury trial, damages, fees, expenses, and class action certification.

Broader context

This lawsuit against Handi-Craft Company follows similar lawsuits against other companies, including a class action lawsuit alleging that Poland Spring’s “100% natural spring water” contained microplastics and a chemical used in plastics, and BlueTriton Brands, Poland Spring’s parent company, faced similar allegations.