Purina Class Action Lawsuit Claims Friskies Party Mix Natural Yums Are Falsely Advertised as Preservative-Free

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A proposed class action lawsuit alleges Purina’s Friskies Party Mix Natural Yums cat treats are falsely advertised as containing no preservatives.

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The 18-page lawsuit says that although defendant Nestle Purina Petcare Company labels the cat treats as having “No Artificial Flavors Colors or Preservatives,” the products are made with phosphoric acid and citric acid, two synthetic ingredients commonly used to extend the shelf life of foods.

According to the complaint, the pet food company uses a synthetic form of citric acid derived from heavy chemical processing, consumption of which has been associated with shortness of breath and muscle, stomach and joint pain. What’s more, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration categorizes citric acid as a preservative since it’s used to lower the pH of food, which helps prevent the growth of bacteria, mold, yeast and fungus, the filing says.

Phosphoric acid also has preservative effects on food due to its ability to increase acidity and prevent microbial spoilage, the suit notes.

“Citric acid and [phosphoric acid] are preservatives in the products regardless of whether [the defendant] intended to use them as preservatives,” the filing contends. “Preservatives maintain the same food deterioration retardant properties even if they are also added to the products for some other use.”

The lawsuit alleges that the pet food company’s false and misleading claims about the contents of its Friskies Party Mix Natural Yums products have compromised consumers’ ability to make informed decisions about the type and quality of cat treats they want to purchase.

The plaintiff, an Illinois resident, says he bought the cat treats from a PetSmart earlier this year based on the understanding that the product contained no preservatives. Per the case, Nestle Purina’s alleged misrepresentations tricked the plaintiff and other customers into paying a premium price for non-premium products.

The lawsuit looks to represent anyone in the United States who purchased Friskies Party Mix Natural Yums within the past five years.

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