General Mills’ Greek yogurt is ‘not yogurt at all’, lawsuit claims

By Caroline Scott-Thomas

- Last updated on GMT

Related tags Greek yogurt Milk

Yoplait Greek yogurt lawsuit
A class action lawsuit filed in California claims that General Mills’ Yoplait-brand fat-free Greek yogurt is misbranded because it contains milk protein concentrate (MPC), which is not listed as a permitted yogurt ingredient under FDA regulation.

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) rules do allow for the addition of optional dairy ingredients, including concentrated skim milk and non-fat dry milk among others, as well as the addition of other ingredients, including sweeteners, vitamins, colors, flavors and stabilizers. But MPC is not listed.

“Yoplait Greek is neither authentic Greek yogurt, nor yogurt at all,” ​the court document reads. “Yoplait Greek does not comply with the standard of identity of yogurt. Indeed, Yoplait Greek contains Milk Protein Concentrate (“MPC”) which is not among the permissible ingredients of yogurt, non-fat yogurt, and low-fat yogurt (collectively “yogurt”) as set forth under the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.”

The plaintiffs claim that they were misled by General Mills’ representation of the Yoplait product as Greek yogurt, considering that it is not strained to create a thicker product, but rather is thickened using MPC along with pectin, gelatin, and locust bean gum. They claim they paid a premium for the Yoplait Greek brand of yogurt and are seeking damages from General Mills.

MPC is a very high protein dry milk product, which has been touted for use in Greek-style products to increase their protein content and provide a thick, creamy texture without the need for expensive straining. New Zealand is the top supplier of MPC to the United States.

A General Mills spokesperson told FoodNavigator-USA that the company does not comment on pending litigation.

"We stand behind our products, and we stand behind the accuracy of the labeling of those products,"​ she said.

General Mills is expected to respond to the complaint in court on July 16.

The class action complaint is available online here​.

No one from the FDA responded to a request for comment prior to publication.

Related news

Show more

Related products

show more

Consumer Attitudes on Ultra-Processed Foods Revealed

Consumer Attitudes on Ultra-Processed Foods Revealed

Content provided by Ayana Bio | 12-Jan-2024 | White Paper

Ayana Bio conducted the Ultra-Processed Food (UPF) Pulse survey, offering insight into consumers’ willingness to consume UPFs, as well as the variables...

Future Food-Tech San Francisco, March 21-22, 2024

Future Food-Tech San Francisco, March 21-22, 2024

Content provided by Rethink Events Ltd | 11-Jan-2024 | Event Programme

Future Food-Tech is the go-to meeting place for the food-tech industry to collaborate towards a healthier food system for people and planet.

Palate Predictions: Top Flavor Trends for 2024

Palate Predictions: Top Flavor Trends for 2024

Content provided by T. Hasegawa USA | 08-Jan-2024 | Application Note

As consumers seek increased value and experience from food and beverages, the industry relies on research to predict category trends. Studying trends that...

Oat Groats – Heat-treated Oat Kernels

Oat Groats – Heat-treated Oat Kernels

Content provided by Lantmännen Biorefineries AB | 06-Dec-2023 | Product Brochure

Lantmännen offers now Oat Groats: Heat-treated oat kernels, also known as oat groats or kilned oats, undergo heat treatment to inhibit enzymes that could...

Related suppliers

Follow us

Products

View more

Webinars