A class action lawsuit has accused Danone Water of allegedly misleading consumers, stating its product is pure spring water, when the water also allegedly contains microplastics.
The lawsuit was filed Feb. 20 in Cook County Circuit Court by named plaintiff Michael Daly, of Evergreen Park, on behalf of himself and others allegedly similarly situated. The suit alleges that the company intentionally misled consumers by labeling its products as "Natural Spring Water," when in fact they contain microplastics.
The plaintiff alleges that microplastics - small plastic particles originating from manufacturing and physical degradation of plastics - are not naturally occurring but can leach into water from bottles. According to studies cited in the complaint, up to 93% of bottled water shows signs of microplastic contamination.
The complaint cites violations of the Illinois Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Businesses Practices Act, common law fraud, and unjust enrichment.
The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages, plus attorney fees.
Plaintiffs are represented by attorneys Todd M. Friedman and Steve G. Perry, of the Law Offices of Todd M. Friedman, of Northbrook and Woodland Hills, California.