In 2019, PW filed a class action lawsuit against Coca-Cola, Fairlife, and other parties linked to the Fairlife milk brand, accusing them of misleading labeling and marketing regarding certain dairy products made from milk sourced from cows allegedly subjected to inhumane treatment. The lawsuit followed an undercover investigation by the Animal Recovery Mission, which exposed severe mistreatment of dairy cows at farms supplying milk for Fairlife products. The class action alleged that consumers were charged premium prices based on false claims of humane cow treatment.
PW partner Melissa S. Weiner served as co-lead counsel for the consumer class who were allegedly subjected to false and misleading representations regarding the treatment of the dairy cows. In 2022, the court granted final approval of a landmark $21 million settlement, which also provided for meaningful stipulated injunctive relief.
The matter was In Re Fairlife Milk Products Marketing And Sales Practices Litigation in the Northern District of Illinois, MDL No. 2909.