Food Additives

BusinessWeek Online has an article about food additives that are often not well explained to consumers -- for instance, an "artificial color" that is made from crushed beetles. (Some people might object because they are vegan or allergic to the substance.) An Insider's Guide to Food Labels, BusinessWeek Online, Aug. 13, 2006.

When I started reading this article, it was only for curiosity, but it turns out to have a trial practice angle: Seattle law firm Smith and Lowney sued three grocery chains for failing to label the artificial coloring in farm-raised salmon. Although the article says the lawsuits were "thrown out of court," the firm's website indicates the litigation is ongoing:

Thomas v. Albertson's Inc.; Dolin, et al., v. Safeway Inc.; Krupp, et al., v. Kroger Co.

Brought nationwide class actions against the nation's largest three grocery store chains for failing to label the artificial coloring in their farmed salmon. These chains operate over 6,000 grocery stores. Suit resulted in a firestorm of media attention across the nation. Within several weeks, Safeway, Kroger, Albertsons and others began labeling the color additives in their farmed salmon. Damages suit on behalf of consumers is still pending.

Filed in: food, Smith-and-Lowney, salmon, class-actions

Graphic by mw.