HOLLY RYDMAN v. CHAMPION PETFOODS USA, INC., et al.
A Washington federal judge ruled in favor of Champion Petfoods in a lawsuit claiming that the company misled consumers regarding the presence of heavy metals in dog food. The judge granted summary judgment in favor of Champion on several claims, including the claim that the phrase “Biologically Appropriate” was misleading and that Champion improperly omitted information concerning the level of heavy metals in their dog food. The judge also rejected the plaintiff’s attempt to certify a class for a class action suit, finding that the different dog food labels and formulas prevented a finding of commonality. A few claims, including those related to the misleading nature of labels for “fresh” and “regional” ingredients survived the decision and can proceed to trial.
[To accompany Case Law Update "Washington Federal Court Rules Against Dog Owner in Heavy Metals Dog Food Case” from Brooks Animal Law Digest Issue No. 190]