Food and Beverage Class Actions: Recent Developments and Practical Tips When Hit With a Class Action

Class actions regarding food and beverage products and packaging continue to proliferate. Manufacturers, distributors, and retailers in that industry are likely to get hit at some point with one or more class actions, as plaintiffs' firms scour and scrutinize all aspects of food labeling, ingredient lists, and product marketing.

Mr. Boone will discuss:

• Common liability theories and types of claims asserted;

• The latest product features under attack;

• Morphing of the "reasonable consumer standard" and its role in cases;

• Procedural developments;

• Significant food class actions to watch;

• Food-related ESG claims;

• Significant settlements;

• Tips to avoid class actions;

• Practical considerations when hit with a class action;

• Determining root cause;

• Scoping the putative class;

• Assessing and mitigating class action risks; and

• Defense strategies.

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify the latest trends in food class actions

2. Discuss how to assess and mitigate class action risks

3. Review practical considerations and strategies in defending class actions