In a compelling legal battle that highlights the intersection of consumer rights and environmental claims, Cynthia Salguero has filed a class action lawsuit against Mondelez International, Inc. The complaint was lodged in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois on February 28, 2025. Salguero accuses Mondelez of misleading consumers through false advertising related to its Clif Kid products, particularly regarding their purported "climate neutral" status.
The lawsuit alleges that Mondelez International has engaged in deceptive marketing practices by labeling its Clif Kid ZBar and ZBar Protein products as "climate neutral." According to the complaint, this claim is not only unsubstantiated but also misleading to consumers who are increasingly seeking environmentally friendly products. Salguero contends that the manufacturing and distribution processes of these products contribute significantly to climate change, contradicting the company's claims. The plaintiff argues that reasonable consumers interpret "climate neutral" to mean that the product does not contribute negatively to climate change, a belief she asserts is false based on her investigation.
Salguero's complaint references guidelines from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which caution against vague and broad environmental claims without proper substantiation. The FTC's Green Guides emphasize that such claims can mislead consumers if they imply benefits that cannot be substantiated. The plaintiff further challenges Mondelez's reliance on carbon offsets as a justification for their "climate neutral" label, citing widespread issues within the offset market such as inaccurate accounting and speculative emissions reductions.
The lawsuit seeks various forms of relief from the court, including damages for breach of express warranty, violations of California’s Consumers Legal Remedies Act (CLRA), California’s Unfair Competition Law (UCL), and unjust enrichment. Salguero demands monetary compensation for herself and similarly affected consumers who purchased the product under false pretenses. Additionally, she calls for corrective advertising to rectify the misleading claims made by Mondelez.
Representing Salguero in this case are attorneys from law firms experienced in handling complex class action litigation. The case is presided over by judges at the Northern District of Illinois under Case ID 1:25-cv-02139.