A class action lawsuit has been filed against Nestle USA, Inc. alleging that images used on its Gerber Graduates Puffs are misleading.

In the lawsuit filed recently in California, attorneys for the plaintiffs claim the "vibrant" images of fruits and vegetables that appear on the labels of Gerber Graduate Puffs intentionally lead parents to believe that the product is healthy when, according to the lawsuit, it is "far from nutritious."

"Parents trying to buy healthy and nutritious snacks for their toddlers have trusted Gerber's reputation and package presentations, paid Gerber's premium prices based on that reputation, and, in exchange, unwittingly provided their toddlers with empty calories. Far from the healthy treat the labels and Gerber's reputation suggest, Puffs are little more than flour and sugar," the suit notes.

Nestle maintains that the suit is "frivolous" and "without merit."  According to news reports, a spokesperson for Nestle said Gerber is fully compliant with FDA regulations regarding product naming and labeling.

"We are committed to clear and transparent labeling practices. Gerber fully stands by its labeling practices and claims and will vigorously defend this lawsuit which it considers to be baseless and is confident it will be successful defending these allegations demonstrating that its product packaging and claims are transparent and in full compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements," the spokesperson insisted.

—Source: just-food.com