Popular snack brand Cape Cod is confronting a fresh legal challenge, marking the second lawsuit this year that disputes the company's claims of using no artificial ingredients in its potato chips.
Details of the Legal Action
The legal proceedings were initiated on October 23 in a New York federal court by consumer Rozaliya Ripa. She contends she purchased the snacks under misleading circumstances, believing the packaging's promise of no artificial colours, flavours, or preservatives.
The lawsuit specifically targets the presence of citric acid in the chips. It argues this ingredient is “no longer commercially available” in a natural form and is instead produced synthetically. The legal filing describes a process where “industrial chemicals [are used] to render the ingredient from mold.”
Company Response and Previous Legal Trouble
When approached for comment, Campbell’s Company, the owner of the Cape Cod brand, declined to discuss the ongoing litigation. However, a representative did issue a statement affirming that their chips are made with high-quality, carefully selected ingredients.
This is not the first time the brand has faced such allegations. An almost identical lawsuit was filed against Cape Cod back in July of this year, which also revolved around accusations of misrepresentation concerning preservatives in their products.
Broader Context for Consumers
The legal action arrives amidst a period of high popularity for the brand. A survey conducted earlier this year found that Cape Cod chips are the most beloved American-made product in their home state, adding a layer of irony to the current controversy.
For shoppers in the UK and beyond, this case highlights the increasing scrutiny on food labelling and the importance of transparent ingredient sourcing from major manufacturers.
