Nutella Sued For False Advertising
May 8, 2012
Parents should be cautious about their children's health, especially regarding the food they eat on a daily basis.
A popular, spreadable, chocolate-based treat is Nutella, a product that is made by Ferrero Rocher Incorporated. Have you ever tried Googling the exact ingredients of this product online? Most people would think a manufacturer would be completely honest with this type of information, but some have sued saying that lapses were made.
The claim is that the company hadn't been entirely truthful regarding their famous and well-selling product. Nutella is said to contain hazelnuts, cocoa powder, skim milk powder, vegetable oil, sugar, soy lecithin, and vanillin. Doesn't sound too bad, does it?
Two mothers have reportedly sued the company because the product was advertised as a healthy food. They suggest that the nutritional value of the product is suspect.
Ferrero USA Inc., has just settled the lawsuit for $2.5 million. Ferrero has been firm that they stand by their promotions and ads, but have agreed to the settlement. This amount will be paid to those who purchased Nutella from August 2009 and January of 2012. The company has reportedly agreed to report the truth, and clean up any misleading ads for Nutella.
Some observers have also taken a stab at the issue, most of them angry with the foolishness of the lawsuit...
One blogger named Julie Ryan Evans points out that a company's job is to advertise and sell their products to people. She was quoted, "I'm sick of parents blaming everyone from McDonald's and their Happy Meal toys, to cereal companies and their jovial cartoon characters, for trying to make their kids fat and unhealthy, when it's our job first and foremost to determine what foods they eat and don't. It's a little thing called personal responsibility."
Here at CUO, we often point out the nutritional benefits of chocolate, but even a good dark chocolate is a high fat food. And as the percent of cocoa solids drops, the amount of sugar goes up. Now consider adding hazelnut paste and vegetable oil. Nutella is more like a frosting or spreadable candy. It's awesome and delicious, but best in moderation, like many foods.
The data is all on the labels if we just take some time to review. Then we can enjoy those that we think are worth eating. To me, if it's chocolate it's worth it.
- Whipped Cream Chocolate Frosting Recipe - December 3, 2014
- Chocolate Hazelnut Cake Recipe - November 26, 2014
- Broiled Banana Chocolate Pudding Recipe - November 19, 2014
Ferraro Rocher and other food companies are not honest. it is up to the government to care about people’s health than greed. consumers has that right to know all the ingredients, not a few but all, so we consumers can make inform decisions what to buy or choose not?
Thanks Joanna. I hadn’t previously heard about this lawsuit, but just yesterday I was telling Bryn that we should pick up a jar. It’s delicious, and I haven’t had any in a few years. Now I’m thinking it’s time to get some in support of Ferrero.