Clorox Sued for Deceptive Marketing Practices

A group of consumers recently sued Clorox for unjust, unfair, and deceptive practices in misrepresenting the environmental and other benefits of “Green Works” products in violation of California and New York law.  The complaint was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.  Plaintiff’s seek class action status.

The complaint alleges that Clorox has made false representations that Green Works products are naturally derived, environmentally sound, and safer alternatives to other cleaning products.  For example, the complaint asserts that the products contain unnatural and harmful chemical ingredients which are associated with skin irritation, allergic reactions, immune system toxicity, and aquatic toxicity.

The complaint includes a number of charges that Clorox has violated California and New York law.  The complaint alleges that Clorox has violated California’s Consumers Legal Remedies Act with unfair methods of competition and unfair and deceptive acts and practices by falsely representing that the Green Works products are naturally derived, green, environmentally sound, and relatively safe products compared to other cleaning products.  It alleges that Clorox has violated California’s Unfair Competition Law by engaging in unlawful, fraudulent, and unfair conduct; that “misleading marketing, advertising, packaging, and labeling of Products is likely to deceive reasonable consumers.”  In addition, the complaint alleges that Clorox has violated New York General Business Law through false advertising concerning the Green Works products.

Remedies sought by the plaintiffs include relabeling to remove representations that the products provide “natural” benefits and are environmentally sound and naturally derived.  In addition, the plaintiffs seek restitution and that Clorox disgorge all revenues obtained as a result of its unlawful, fraudulent, and unfair conduct.