Heinz Distilled White Vinegar Not “All Natural”

The U.S. based food company, H. J. Heinz Company (“Heinz”), markets its Heinz Distilled White Vinegar as “all natural” despite the fact that the product is made with genetically modified crops. Genetically modified crops are plants used in agriculture, the DNA of which has been modified and altered through genetic engineering in a way that does not occur naturally.

Feeding into the recently growing health-conscious trend, some manufacturers have been quick to label products as “all natural” to boost sales; even though many products still contain GMOs and additives. Consumers pay more for a product, or choose one product over another, based on the representation that these products are “all natural.”

Although the Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture are charged with enforcing the labeling laws on food manufacturers, neither agency has specifically defined the term “natural” or “all natural” creating an environment that allows manufacturers to loosely play with the terms. Until there is more detailed regulation, consumers can protect their rights through the judicial system by bringing claims for false advertising and fraud.

If you or anyone you know has recently purchased Heinz’s Distilled White Vinegar, please contact Khorrami Boucher, LLP at (213) 596-6000 and ask to speak to Corina for a private consultation.