EAST ST. LOUIS — The makers of an Entenmann's brand butter loaf cake are facing a class action alleging the product's label misleads consumers due to its synthetic ingredients.
Vicki Elder, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated, filed a complaint June 20 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois against Bimbo Bakeries USA, Inc., alleging violation of the Illinois Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act, negligent misrepresentation, fraud, unjust enrichment and other claims.
Elder alleges in her complaint that Bimbo Bakeries is deceiving consumers with its marketing and labeling of its "All Butter Loaf Cake" sold under its Entenmann's brand because the cake contains more synthetic butter substitutes, artificial flavors and vegetable oils than actual butter. She further alleges the defendant uses artificial flavors that simulate the natural compounds of butter to give consumers the "impression of more butter." She claims the product contains preservatives, including diacetyl. Diacetyl has been classified by OSHA as leading to "adverse health effects," such as bronchiolitis obliterans, a form of lung disease, and has also been linked to increased rates of Alzheimer's disease.
Elder claims she and other consumers "did not expect artificial butter flavors" and that she would not have purchased the product had she been aware of the false and misleading representations made by the defendants.
Elder seeks monetary relief, trial by jury and all other just relief. She is represented by Spencer Sheehan of Sheehan & Associates PC in Great Neck, New York.
U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois case number 3:21-CV-00637