A class action lawsuit has accused egg seller Eggland's Best of allegedly misleading consumers by selling eggs they claim are lower in saturated fat than "regular" eggs, but which may in fact be higher in such fat content.
The lawsuit was filed March 12 in Chicago federal court by named plaintiff Richard Vilchis, of Cook County, who allegedly purchased Eggland's Best eggs at Jewel-Osco supermarkets in Chicago and Melrose Park; at Target stores in Melrose Park and Chicago; and a Fresh Thyme store in River Forest.
The suit accuses Eggland's Best of allegedly falsely advertising its eggs as having "25% less saturated fat than regular eggs". However, the complaint claims laboratory tests have allegedly revealed that the company's eggs contain higher levels of saturated fat than non-Eggland's Best-branded "Regular Eggs".
The lawsuit accuses Eggland's Best of allegedly misleading consumers with its marketing, allegedly allowing it to sell more products, charge higher prices, and take away market share from competing brands. The lawsuit asserts consumers have paid more for the products than they otherwise would have or purchased more of the products than they would have if they had known the actual amount of saturated fat in them.
The plaintiffs claim Eggland's Best has allegedly violated consumer fraud laws.
The plaintiffs are seeking to expand the action to include everyone who purchased Eggland's Best eggs everywhere in the U.S., except in California.
The plaintiffs are seeking statutory damages, actual damages and punitive damages, plus attorney fees.
Plaintiffs are represented by attorney P. Renée Wicklund, of Richman Law & Policy, of Irvington, New York.