Class action lawsuit claims Enfagrow toddler drinks contain misleading nutritional information

Overview of the Enfagrow Toddler Class Action Lawsuit:

• WHO: A group of consumers has filed a class action lawsuit against Mead Johnson.
• Why: The plaintiffs allege that the company makes improper claims about the nutritional content of some of its toddler beverages.
• Where: The Enfagrow Toddlers class action lawsuit was filed in federal court in California.

The company that makes Enfagrow’s infant formula drinks is facing a class action lawsuit alleging that it mislabeled and promoted the products as having nutritional value, which is “strictly prohibited” by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Plaintiffs Chelsea Garland, Estelita Rey and Zachary Williams filed a class action lawsuit against Mead Johnson in federal court in California on July 5, alleging that the company violated state and federal consumer protection laws.

According to the lawsuit, Mead Johnson uses misleading labels and markets its Enfagrow PREMIUM Toddler Nutritional Drink and Enfagrow NeuroPro Toddler Nutritional Drink products. The company allegedly does this to capitalize on parents’ increasing desire to purchase foods that provide physical health benefits for their children.

Drinks for young children are marketed with nutritional information, the lawsuit says

The lawsuit alleges that these products are marketed specifically to children. Two nutritional claims are clearly visible on the products’ packaging.

According to the lawsuit, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) strictly regulates nutritional claims on foods, especially foods for children under two years of age. The plaintiffs state that FDA regulations do not allow nutritional claims on foods for this age group.

Nevertheless, the labels of Enfagrow products allegedly contain several claims regarding nutritional content.

These include claims such as “IMMUNE HEALTH Dual Prebiotics and Vitamins,” “Supports BRAIN DEVELOPMENT Omega-3 DHA and Iron,” and “22 NUTRIENTS to Support Growth.” Plaintiffs say the claims are allegedly misleading and violate several federal and state regulations designed to protect consumers.

Drinks offer no health benefits, say parents

The lawsuit alleges that Enfagrow’s labeling practices violate FDA regulations and mislead consumers by making them believe its products provide significant health benefits.

The manufacturer’s claims allegedly suggest that the drinks support immune health, brain development and overall growth. The lawsuit suggests that these claims entice parents to purchase these products at a higher price.

The plaintiffs argue that the manufacturer’s claims are not only unlawful but also potentially harmful to children.

Nutritional information on foods for children under two years of age can mislead parents into believing that these products are necessary for their child’s health.

The lawsuit alleges that these products may not provide the promised benefits and could even have detrimental effects on a child’s nutritional and developmental needs.

The lawsuit cites the American Academy of Pediatrics and other health experts recommending that children under two be fed nutrient-dense foods with no added sugar. The plaintiffs claim this contradicts what Enfagrow’s products provide.

Drinks for small children under criticism

The plaintiffs seek to represent anyone in California who purchased the products between 2021 and today. They are suing for violations of California consumer and advertising laws and are seeking class action certification. The lawsuit seeks damages, fees, costs and a jury trial.

In 2020 three separate class action lawsuits have been filed against Target Corp., Gerber Products Co. and Mead Johnson & Co. alleging that their so-called “transitional” toddler formulas – including Mead Johnson’s Enfragrow Premium Toddler Transitions – deceive parents into believing the products meet the same standards as infant formula.

What do you think about the claims in this class action lawsuit filed by Enfagrow? Let us know in the comments!

The plaintiffs are represented by Tarek H. Zohdy, Cody R. Padgett, Laura E. Goolsby and Nathan N. Kiyam of Capstone Law APC.

The Class action lawsuit against Enfagrow Is Chelsea Garland et al. v. Mead Johnson & Company LLC et al.Case No. 3:24-cv-01168-L-SBC in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California.

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