Bayer makes an Alka-Seltzer product that deceives customers with its marketing, causing them to believe it contains honey and lemon, a new class action lawsuit alleges.
Plaintiff Patricia Donadio filed the class action lawsuit against Bayer Healthcare LLC Nov. 21 in a New York federal court, alleging violations of state and federal consumer laws.
Bayer makes and sells mix-in powder packets under the Alka-Seltzer Plus brand promoted as treating “Severe Cold & Flu” with the words “Honey and Lemon Zest” on the packet, Donadio says.
Based on the labeling, consumers will expect the product to contain honey and lemon ingredients and that these ingredients provide some therapeutic benefit in addition to the identified active ingredients, Donadio states.
“However, the active and inactive ingredient lists reveal the absence of honey and lemon zest,” the Alka-Seltzer class action says.
The product’s labeling, with its nod to lemon and honey, appeals to consumers seeking more natural products, the lawsuit states.
“Nevertheless… no credible evidence or studies support the notion that either honey or lemon are effective in treating or reducing the severity and duration of colds,...
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