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Aldi's Motion to Dismiss False Advertising Case Denied

Specialty Food Association

The District of Columbia Superior Court rejected the motion to dismiss a lawsuit brought by Toxin Free USA against supermarket chain Aldi Inc., alleging the company makes deceptive sustainability marketing claims about its fresh Atlantic salmon products.

The lawsuit alleges that Aldi's use of the phrase "Simple. Sustainable. Seafood." on the products lead consumers to believe that the salmon was farmed in accordance with high environmental and animal welfare standards, when the salmon are sourced unsustainably. Aldi did not respond to SFA News Daily's request for comment. 

“We're pleased to see the court stand up for consumers and reject Aldi's claims that no reasonable consumer would believe its false statements," said Diana Reeves, Toxin Free USA executive director, in a statement. "Now we look forward to holding Aldi accountable during the next phase of this legal battle in our ongoing campaign to protect consumers from patently false marketing claims."

The complaint was filed in May of 2021, under the District of Columbia Consumer Protection Procedures Act. The nonprofit is represented by Richman Law & Policy.

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