Posted by Brandon Glover.
On February 23rd, Marc Moschetta filed a lawsuit against big-name company Wal-Mart for, “deceptive business practices.” A jury trial is being sought on the basis of “material misrepresentations.”
Moschetta purchased “Great Value’s ‘100% Grated Parmesan Cheese,’” but it was later found out that it contained 7 to 10% cellulose, which is a filler that stems from wood chips. Issues such as this one are not completely unfamiliar to the legal system. In 2012, a Pennsylvania cheese vendor was investigated for the use of cellulose in their products. The vendor was also accused of mixing in various types of cheeses in their products, while simultaneously testing positive for Listeria.
Bloomberg News has highlighted cellulose findings in various cheese products. Companies such as Whole Foods, Jewel-Osco, and Kraft Heinz as well have been guilty of such findings. Attorney Jason Sultzer, states “[that] the case isn’t about consumers getting sick. Regardless of the price of the product ($2.98), people are still buying the product based on the label.” Sultzer tries to gain public sympathy to the cause by alluding to parents giving it to their kids with their food.
Wal-Mart spokesman Randy Hargrove told CNBC, “we know earning customer trust starts with high standards for the products we carry. We take this matter seriously. We will review the allegations once we have received the complaint and will respond appropriately with the court.”
Brandon is an economics major at the Stillman School of Business, Seton Hall University, Class of 2018.