Chipotle Settles Class Action Lawsuit Over GMO Claims

doitvoluntarily (77)in #market • 5 years ago

Chipotle previously utilized an advertising campaign for their business that highlighted their commitment to serve non-GMO foods at their restaurants.

But according to consumers who filed a class action lawsuit against the company, they argue that Chipotle violated that promise by using meat and dairy products that came from animals who had been fed GMO feed.

For anyone who saw a commercial advertisement that said Chipotle was against using GMO ingredients at their restaurants, would it have been likely that the average person would be deceived by that advertising? Those posing the challenge against Chipotle were arguing that this marketing promise was deceptive, given that the company might have been using such ingredients as meat or dairy products that did come from animals fed a genetically modified feed. If the people knew that, would they still consider the anti-GMO promise to be upheld? Maybe not.

After years of an ongoing battle, Chipotle has finalled settled for $6.5 million and they've admitted to no wrongdoing in the case.

Based on the recent settlement:

"anyone who purchased food from any Chipotle unit in the U.S. from April 27, 2015, until June 30, 2016, is entitled to $2 back on each qualifying purchase, with the ability to claim up to five qualifying purchases without documentation. Those with proof of purchase can be awarded up to $20 for 10 qualifying purchases during the period, with a $30 per-household cap,.."

Chiptole still argues that their marketing campaign on free-GMO products wasn't deceptive or misleading. For now they've also discontinued the anti-GMO advertising campaign.

Other companies like McDonald's, General Mills, and Ben & Jerry's, have also made a commitment to try and weed out the use of GMO ingredients in their products as well. As a result of continued concerns that many have for bio-engineered foods, including some individuals who have been personally responsible for creating them and putting them onto the market, it's fueled a steady demand for non-GMO products. This comes despite the various reports out there promising the safety of the products.