New Fairfield, CT, April 3, 2026 —  Public interest nonprofit GMO/Toxin Free USA (TFUSA) succeeded in delaying a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) proposal to allow a novel, synthetic food dye produced by Phytolon Ltd. to enter the U.S. food supply and be labeled as “natural.”

This marks a rare and significant moment of accountability, where a federal agency paused a corporate-benefiting decision due to public interest advocacy. It represents a powerful step toward our vision of full food transparency, stronger safety standards, and a system that prioritizes people and the environment over industry convenience.

Phytolon’s synthetic food color, Beetroot Red, is produced through a genetic engineering technique called Synthetic Biology, or SynBio, and often referred to as “precision fermentation,” or misleadingly as only “fermentation.”

On February 6, 2026, the FDA issued a Final Order for Phytolon’s color additive petition to allow the synthetic food dye to enter the food market by “amending the color additive regulations to provide for the safe use of beetroot red for the coloring of human foods generally.” The order would have gone into effect March 23, 2026.

TFUSA submitted a document of objection during the FDA’s public comment period ending March 9, 2026. The full submission can be read HERE.

TFUSA’s primary objections to Phytolon’s Beetroot Red are:

• Beetroot Red is a product of SynBio, an extreme form of genetic engineering that starts in a lab and finishes in industrial vats, and should not be allowed to be labeled “natural.” Further, no products made with SynBio food dyes should be allowed to claim “no artificial colors.”
• Phytolon failed to provide adequate proof of safety of synthetic Beetroot Red for long-term human consumption.
• Potential contamination by novel proteins or byproducts of the genetic engineering process could present a food safety risk and have not been addressed.
• Phytolon failed to respond to FDA’s feedback and required followup testing.

The FDA responded to TFUSA’s objection by issuing a statement on March 24: “As of March 20, 2026, the effective date of the final order published February 6, 2026 (91 FR 5295) is delayed indefinitely. The FDA will publish a document in the Federal Register announcing a new effective date or other administrative action on the order.” The FDA added: “We received a submission from GMO/Toxin Free USA containing objections that meet the conditions set forth in 21 CFR 12.22 to initiate a stay of the effective date of the final order.”

In a statement to Food Navigator USA, Michael Hansen, Senior Scientist at Consumer Reports, agreed that the production process of genetic engineering could leave contaminants in the product and present a food safety risk. “You can often find in the final product, 15, 20, 30, 40 different proteins, or other things in there. So, you should be identifying whether any of those raise safety concerns.”

Dr. Hansen added, “They should absolutely let consumers know that is a genetically engineered color or genetically modified. They should not be able to call that ‘not artificial’ or ‘natural.’ We have done enough surveys to show that people do not consider engineered things to be natural.”

The FDA also stated, “Our announcement of the delay of the effective date of the final order does not reflect a change in our determination that there is a reasonable certainty of no harm from the use of this color additive under the proposed conditions of its intended use.”

Diana Reeves, Executive Director of TFUSA, said, “We need to wait for the FDA’s follow-up determination on Beetroot Red. But if the FDA later decides to approve the synthetic dye despite the safety issues, the agency must not allow SynBio food additives to be labeled ‘natural,’ or ‘no artificial colors.’ In fact, this is a product of genetic engineering and should require a GMO or bioengineered label. This administration campaigned on bringing transparency to our food system. The administration is also currently campaigning on eating ‘real food.’ Swapping synthetic petroleum-based dyes for synthetic genetically engineered dyes and allowing the industry to call the products ‘natural’ would be a betrayal of the promises made by the administration.”

“The food industry should take careful note: Attempts to pull the wool over America’s eyes, calling SynBio products ‘natural’ or ‘non-GMO,’ will not go over well for your brands in the long run,” added Reeves.

TFUSA will continue to campaign on this issue, educating the public about newer forms of genetic engineering such as SynBio and gene-editing, and galvanize public rejection of genetically engineered foods that have not been independently safety tested.

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GMO/Toxin Free USA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit advocating for a clean, healthy food system and environment, non-toxic consumer products, and educating consumers about the hazards of GMOs, pesticides and other toxins. toxinfreeusa.org

Press inquiries contact:

Luan Van Le, GMO/Toxin Free USA
Phone: 347.921.1466
Email: info@gmofreeusa.org

The post Toxin Free USA Campaigns to Prevent Products of Genetic Engineering From Being Labeled “Natural” appeared first on GMO / Toxin Free USA.

WASHINGTON D.C., March 15, 2026 — Nonprofits Toxin Free USA (TFUSA) and Corporate Accountability Lab (CAL) filed a consumer protection lawsuit against Aqua Star Corp., for false and deceptive marketing of its shrimp products. While Aqua Star claims that its shrimp products are “pure,” “sustainable,” and “responsible,” in reality they may be tainted by antibiotics and, possibly, radioactive isotopes; they are produced under exploitative labor conditions, involving a high risk of forced labor; and they cause environmental harm. Aqua Star is a major seller of shrimp in the United States and sells its shrimp throughout the United States and Washington, D.C., including Target, Giant, Balducci’s, Safeway, Save A Lot, Harris Teeter, and Kroger.

Aqua Star features the words “Responsibly & Naturally Farmed” alongside a “Seafood Forever | Responsibly Sourced” logo prominently on the front of its shrimp packages. The company also goes to great lengths on its website to convince consumers its seafood is sourced in an ethical, environmentally sound and socially conscious manner throughout its supply chain, and that its shrimp is pure, healthy, and nutritious.

Aqua Star claims, “We are dedicated to the long-term health of the local environments and economies in which we operate—and to the well-being of the people who depend on them. Our Seafood Forever™ program is based on four pillars we view as critical to the long-term health of our people and our planet: Responsibility, Traceability, Social Responsibility, and Food Safety.”

Despite marketing its shrimp as “pure” and “healthy,” the company makes no mention of the potential presence of radioactive isotopes and antibiotics in its shrimp. In 2025, there were multiple recalls of Aqua Star shrimp products due to possible contamination with the man-made radioisotope of Cesium-137, which can elevate a person’s risk of developing cancer and cause other serious health ailments.

Also in 2025, the U.S. FDA refused entry for shrimp from one of Aqua Star’s suppliers due to contamination with nitrofurans, antibiotics, and/or veterinary drug residues. Because the FDA tests only 0.1% of all shrimp imports for veterinary drug residues, the true scale of antibiotic residues in Aqua Star’s shrimp may be significantly underreported, posing an ongoing risk to consumers.

Health experts have been sounding the alarm that the overuse of medically important antibiotics in animal factory farms is leading to antibiotic-resistant bacteria, endangering public health. Industrial aquaculture farms employ the same practices as terrestrial factory farms—animals are crowded so densely that antibiotic use is necessary in attempts to control the spread of disease among the animals.

A peer-reviewed study published in March 2026, in the journal Nature Medicine, found that a single course of antibiotics could disrupt the gut microbiome for years. And a groundbreaking 2025 study identified imported shrimp as a vector spreading bacteria resistant to the antibiotic colistin. The researchers found no similar harm posed by U.S.-produced shrimp.

“Shrimp sourced from farms that are known to use antibiotics in production, and found to be contaminated with Cesium-137, are in no way shape or form ‘healthy’.  Additionally, if shoppers were aware that Aqua Star’s ‘responsibly sourced’ shrimp come from filthy farms and are processed in filthy packing facilities, they wouldn’t put them in their grocery carts. The misleading marketing must stop,” said Diana Reeves, executive director of TFUSA.

The Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch (“Seafood Watch”) warns consumers to avoid whiteleg shrimp farmed in China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Nicaragua, and Vietnam due to a “high risk to the environment.” There are concerns that shrimp facilities in these countries are not properly managing effluent discharge; failing to implement and enforce regulations; and struggling to implement or enforce effective chemical regulations.

Aqua Star sources a significant amount of its shrimp from India, Indonesia, and Vietnam. Shrimp facilities in these countries are far from environmentally sound or respectful of local communities. For example, Indian shrimp hatcheries and shrimp farms have taken over coastal shorelines, adversely affecting marine diversity, native fishermen, farmers, and local communities. These facilities release effluents into local waterways, polluting freshwater systems and coastal waters, reducing wild fish populations, and threatening the economic survival of traditional fishing communities. 

A three-year investigation by Corporate Accountability Lab, which involved more than 150 worker interviews across India’s shrimp industry, found pervasive labor abuses — including at Nekkanti Sea Foods, a supplier linked to Aqua Star. According to the report, Nekkanti workers were reportedly paid less than half a living wage, housed in overcrowded, unsanitary company-controlled facilities with restricted freedom of movement, and required to work without adequate protective gear.

Migrant workers, especially women, who live in Nekkanti’s company-provided housing experienced restricted freedom of movement. Workers reported being allowed to leave the facilities only once a week or even once a month, with guards monitoring the on-site facilities. Workers have also described practices consistent with debt bondage.

By late 2024, U.S. government agencies had reached similarly troubling conclusions. The Department of Labor added Indian shrimp to its official List of Goods Produced by Forced Labor and the State Department flagged indicators of forced labor at Indian shrimp facilities in its annual Trafficking in Persons Report. Concerns extend to Indonesia as well, where Aqua Star sources from major exporters whose farms rely on informal employment arrangements that researchers say increase the risk of exploitation.

“Shrimp supply chains are incredibly complex, with exploitative labor practices found in the major shrimp supplying countries,” stated Allie Brudney, an attorney at Corporate Accountability Lab. “Aqua Star not only sources from the countries, but from companies named in reports on forced labor. This case asks whether they should be allowed to market such shrimp as socially responsible under D.C. law.”

The public interest nonprofits are seeking no monetary damages—only an end to the deceptive marketing and advertising of Aqua Star’s shrimp products.

The lawsuit was filed under the D.C. Consumer Protection Procedures Act. Plaintiffs are represented by Richman Law & Policy.

Read the full Complaint HERE.

Read the Press Fact Sheet HERE.

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GMO/Toxin Free USA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit advocating for a clean, healthy food system and environment, non-toxic consumer products, and educating consumers about the hazards of GMOs, pesticides and other toxins. toxinfreeusa.org

Corporate Accountability Lab is an independent non-profit organization, with a mission to unleash the creative potential of the law to protect people and the planet from corporate abuse. CAL deploys innovative legal strategies to combat egregious abuses by companies operating in the United States and abroad. corpaccountabilitylab.org

Press inquiries contact:

Allie Brudney, Corporate Accountability Lab
Phone: 773.420.7725
Email: allie@corpaccountabilitylab.org

Luan Van Le, GMO/Toxin Free USA
Phone: 347.921.1466
Email: info@gmofreeusa.org

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The study, funded in part by the Rose Foundation for Communities and the Environment, tested 71 WIC-approved food products and found detectable levels of phthalates in more than a quarter of items. These chemicals, commonly used in plastic packaging and food processing, are known to interfere with hormone function and have been linked to developmental, reproductive, and behavioral health issues.

While all products tested complied with California Proposition 65 safety thresholds, the findings underscore a larger issue: the lack of regulatory oversight on food packaging and contact materials that can leach harmful substances into the food system.

“This study is a wake-up call,” said Jackie Bowen, Executive Director of Clean Label Project. “Families in the WIC program are doing their best to make healthy choices with limited resources. They deserve to know not just what’s in their food—but what it’s been in contact with. We want to empower parents and caregivers with the information they need to minimize exposure and make informed, safer choices for their families.”

The study found that contamination risk was often linked to packaging type. Products stored in plastic bags, cans, or jars were more likely to contain phthalates or BPA, even when the food itself was unprocessed. In some cases, a single serving of certain canned or bulk foods could exceed California’s “No Significant Risk Level” for chemical exposure.

“Communities served by WIC are already navigating the compounding weight of environmental health disparities,” said Marcha Isabelle Chaudry, Founder and CEO of the Equity and Wellness Collaborative and advocacy advisor for the grant. “Finding endocrine-disrupting chemicals in everyday food items only deepens these inequities. We cannot champion health equity without first ensuring that the most vulnerable families have access to food that is truly safe, clean, and nourishing. This is not just a public health issue—it’s a matter of justice.”

In response, Clean Label Project is urging consumers to:

• Choose fresh or frozen foods over canned when possible
• Avoid microwaving in plastic containers
• Opt for glass or stainless steel for food storage
• Look for “BPA-free” labels—and question what’s replacing it

The organization is also calling on policymakers and industry leaders to rethink the role of packaging and supply chains in food safety and invest in safer alternatives and clearer labeling standards.

For more information, a copy of the full report, and practical tips for reducing EDC exposure at home, visit https://cleanlabelproject.org/wic-endocrine-disruptor-study/

En español: https://cleanlabelproject.org/clp_californiawicreport_spanish/

Kate Stuard
Clean Label Project
kate@dsjstrat.com

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WASHINGTON D.C., June 4, 2025 — Nonprofit GMO/Toxin Free USA has filed a consumer protection lawsuit against Costco Wholesale Corporation. In a separate action, plaintiff Ella Rosewood filed a class action lawsuit against Costco. Both lawsuits against the corporation allege false and deceptive marketing of Kirkland Signature Baby Wipes.

Costco markets its baby wipes as “plastic-free,” “made with naturally derived ingredients,” and “suitable for sensitive skin”. However, independent lab testing conducted for Toxin Free USA found that the product contains significant levels of microplastics, which are associated with a range of harmful health effects—particularly concerning for babies and young children.

Growing scientific research on microplastics and nanoplastics (particles smaller than one micrometer) has heightened concerns among public health experts. Studies have shown that the toxic chemicals embedded within microplastics can be absorbed through the skin, and that microplastic particles can penetrate the skin barrier and bioaccumulate in human organs, including crossing the blood-brain barrier and accumulating in the brain.

“This is deeply troubling. Parents deserve transparency and should not be misled when choosing products for their children. Baby wipes meant to clean and soothe delicate skin should not contain microplastics carrying carcinogenic and endocrine-disrupting chemicals. As a mother who lost her child to cancer, I find this unacceptable,” said Diana Reeves, executive director of Toxin Free USA. “Costco must immediately stop its deceptive marketing and remove microplastics from these baby wipes to protect families.”

The Toxin Free USA lawsuit, filed under the D.C. Consumer Protection Procedures Act, seeks to halt Costco’s misleading advertising practices. The class action lawsuit, filed in the Eastern District Court of New York, seeks monetary damages. Both plaintiffs are represented by Richman Law & Policy.

Read the Toxin Free USA complaint HERE.

Read the Class Action complaint HERE.

GMO/Toxin Free USA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit advocating for a clean, healthy food system and environment, non-toxic consumer products, and educating consumers about the hazards of GMOs, pesticides and other toxins. www.toxinfreeusa.org

Press inquiries contact:
Luan Van Le, GMO/Toxin Free USA
Phone: 347.921.1466
Email: info@gmofreeusa.org

The post Costco Faces Consumer Protection & Class Action Suits Over Baby Wipes appeared first on GMO / Toxin Free USA.

WASHINGTON D.C., April 24, 2025 — Nonprofit GMO/Toxin Free USA filed a lawsuit against WaterWipes, Inc., alleging deceptive marketing of its Plastic-Free Original Baby Wipes product.

WaterWipes advertises its products as “plastic-free” and “the world’s purest baby wipes.” But independent lab testing conducted for Toxin Free USA revealed that the product contains significant levels of microplastics, exposure to which can cause a range of harmful human health consequences—especially when exposure begins at a young age.

Recent and mounting research on microplastics and nanoplastics (particles smaller than one micrometer) has public health experts alarmed. One study documented that the potentially hundreds of toxic chemicals present within microplastics can be absorbed through the skin. Another study confirmed that microplastic particles, which carry toxic chemicals, can also cross the skin barrier. Microplastics in the body can infiltrate every major organ, even breaching the blood-brain barrier and bioaccumulating in the brain.

“This is extremely disturbing. New parents shouldn’t have to worry about misleading marketing while they do their best to protect their babies from exposure to toxins. A product that’s meant to clean a baby shouldn’t contain microplastics full of carcinogenic and endocrine disrupting chemicals. As a mother who lost her child to cancer, I cannot accept this. WaterWipes must cease its advertising claims immediately and work to remove microplastics from its products. Time is of the essence,” said Diana Reeves, Toxin Free USA executive director.

The lawsuit, filed under the D.C. Consumer Protection Procedures Act, seeks to end WaterWipes’s deceptive marketing. Plaintiffs are represented by Richman Law & Policy.

Read the complaint HERE.

GMO/Toxin Free USA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit advocating for a clean, healthy food system and environment, non-toxic consumer products, and educating consumers about the hazards of GMOs, pesticides and other toxins. www.toxinfreeusa.org

Press inquiries contact:

Luan Van Le, GMO/Toxin Free USA, 347.921.1466, info@gmofreeusa.org

The post Toxin Free USA Sues WaterWipes Alleging Deceptive Marketing of Plastic-Free Original Baby Wipes appeared first on GMO / Toxin Free USA.

The product, ProFerm, is a bioengineered “whey protein” used by brands such as Bored Cow Animal-Free Dairy Milk and Myprotein Whey Forward Animal Free Protein. ProFerm is made using synthetic biology (synbio) genetic engineering. The industry describes the process as “precision fermentation.”

Perfect Day and brand partners market ProFerm as safe, sustainable, identical to cow-derived whey protein, capable of creating milk identical to cow’s milk including its nutritional profile, and free from GMOs.

Health Research Institute (HRI), an accredited, public-interest laboratory, analyzed ProFerm and a related product, along with certified-biodynamic and certified-organic whole cow’s milk.

HRI’s findings illustrate that representing ProFerm as the same as cow’s whey or capable of creating milk “identical to traditional milk” is false and misleading because:

• ProFerm is only 13.4% cow’s whey protein.
• 86.6% of ProFerm proteins are fungal proteins.
• ProFerm contained 93 fungal compounds not found in cow’s whey.
• The fungal proteins and compounds are unknown to science, have never been part of the human diet, and are by-products of the GMOs used in the fermentation process.
• “Milk” produced with ProFerm contains a fraction of the nutritional value of cow’s milk, missing 69 nutrients and containing no omega 3, fatty acids, or vitamins B2, B5, and E.

ProFerm and products made from it are not even remotely similar to cow’s whey or milk.

By HRI’s assessment, the novel compounds and proteins in ProFerm could be or become toxic, allergenic, disruptive to nutrition and biome function, and cause dysbiosis, making them potentially unsafe for human consumption.

“That a nutritionally devoid substance composed primarily of fungal proteins never before consumed by humans could be labeled cow’s whey is deeply concerning. Allowing this aberration into our food supply and classifying it as GRAS (generally recognized as safe) highlights the urgent need to reevaluate our regulatory framework for food,” said Diana Reeves, GTFU Executive Director.

The lawsuit, filed under the D.C. Consumer Protection Procedures Act, seeks to end Perfect Day’s deceptive marketing. Plaintiffs are represented by Richman Law & Policy.

Read the complaint HERE.

GMO/Toxin Free USA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit advocating for a clean, healthy food system and environment, non-toxic consumer products, and educating consumers about the hazards of GMOs, pesticides and other toxins. www.toxinfreeusa.org

Organic Consumers Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit addressing crucial issues around food safety, industrial agriculture, genetic engineering, children’s health, corporate accountability, Fair Trade and environmental sustainability. www.organicconsumers.org

Press inquiries contact:

Luan Van Le, GMO/Toxin Free USA, 347.921.1466, info@gmofreeusa.org

The post GMO/Toxin Free USA Sues Perfect Day Alleging Misleading Claims About “Animal Free Dairy” appeared first on GMO / Toxin Free USA.

New Fairfield, CT Dec 3, 2024 — Non-GMO and organic gardeners and farmers now have a new tool to help them avoid genetically engineered seeds and support independent seed companies sharing their values.

Today, nonprofit GMO/Toxin Free USA (GTFU) launched the Seed Integrity Pledge for Safe Seeds (SIP) program, with a website to raise awareness about the increasing availability of GMO seeds in the consumer market. SafeSeedPledge.org hosts a database of seed companies that have pledged not to sell GMO seeds and plants. The searchable database helps growers find sellers that have taken the Pledge.

“Until recently, GMO seeds have only been available to commodity crop farmers. This past year, GMO tomatoes and petunias entered home and community gardens. More seeds and plants like these are being developed. Additionally, gene-edited crops are becoming harder to track because they aren’t required to be labeled as ‘GMO,’ ‘genetically engineered,’ or with the USDA-created term, ‘bioengineered’,” said Diana Reeves, Executive Director of GTFU.

Reeves added, “A growing number of studies raise concerns about the assumed precision of gene-editing techniques. But the USDA considers gene-edited organisms equivalent to those created by nature and has declined to regulate them. We’ve even seen companies labeling gene-edited foods as non-GMO. The lack of regulation has made it much easier for biotech companies to avoid transparency and labeling. ”

Four corporations control and sell over half of all seeds globally. The number of independent seed companies is declining due to agriculture industry consolidation. A 2023 report by the USDA found that seed industry consolidation coupled with restrictive intellectual property schemes are stifling small, independent, and public seed breeding programs.

“We believe it is critically important to maintain the diversity of independent seed companies. These companies are our champions for biodiversity. We hope many more companies will take the Pledge to help preserve the genetic integrity of our seed supply,” said Reeves.

Seed companies can take the Pledge HERE.

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GMO/Toxin Free USA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit advocating for a clean, healthy food system and environment, non-toxic consumer products, and educating consumers about the hazards of GMOs, synthetic pesticides and other toxins. www.toxinfreeusa.org

Press inquiries contact:

Luan Van Le, 347.921.1466, info@gmofreeusa.org

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Washington, DC, September 30, 2024 — Nonprofit Toxin Free USA filed a lawsuit against Kimberly-Clark Corporation, alleging deceptive marketing of its U by Kotex tampons.

Kotex says that it is committed to “safety,” and tells consumers, “[w]e prohibit the inclusion of certain substances, including heavy metals such as lead…” Toxin Free USA facilitated lab testing of U by Kotex Click® Compact Regular Tampons and detected lead in the product.

A recent peer-reviewed study on heavy metals in tampons, published in the journal Environment International, detected heavy metals in the products tested. This study prompted Toxin Free USA’s investigation into popular tampon products.

The presence of lead is especially concerning considering that the product is intended for use inside of the human body. According to health and toxicology experts worldwide, there is no safe level of lead in the human body. The World Health Organization stated, “[l]ead exposure is estimated to account for 21.7 million years lost to disability and death worldwide due to long-term effects on health, including 30% of the global burden of idiopathic intellectual disability, 4.6% of the global burden of cardiovascular disease and 3% of the global burden of chronic kidney diseases,” and “even [low blood lead concentrations] may be associated with decreased intelligence in children, [behavioral] difficulties and learning problems.”

“Lead exposure can result in serious health problems, including reproductive health issues. It’s been banned in gasoline. It’s been banned in paint. The FDA should immediately ban lead and heavy metals in feminine hygiene products. The presence of lead in U by Kotex tampons, a product regularly used internally, inside the female reproductive system, is shocking,” said Diana Reeves, Executive Director of Toxin Free USA.

The lawsuit, filed under the D.C. Consumer Protection Procedures Act, seeks to end Kimberly-Clark’s deceptive marketing. Plaintiffs are represented by Richman Law & Policy.

Read the full Kimberly-Clark/Kotex complaint HERE.

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GMO/Toxin Free USA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit advocating for a clean, healthy food system and environment, non-toxic consumer products, and educating consumers about the hazards of GMOs, synthetic pesticides and other toxins. www.toxinfreeusa.org

Press inquiries contact:

Luan Van Le, GMO/Toxin Free USA, 347.921.1466, info@gmofreeusa.org

The post Toxin Free USA Sues Kimberly-Clark for Lead in Kotex Tampons appeared first on GMO / Toxin Free USA.

Like and share our press release video on YouTube to help us get the word out about Saatva products. Please help us protect others from getting ripped off.

Washington, DC, August 20, 2024 — Nonprofits Toxin Free USA and Beyond Pesticides filed a lawsuit against Saatva, Inc., a bedding manufacturer, alleging deceptive marketing of its crib mattresses.

Saatva represents its products as “nontoxic,” “safe,” “natural,” and “eco-friendly.” The product description also says that “it gives you peace of mind as your baby is cradled in soothing comfort.”

Toxin Free USA facilitated lab testing of the crib mattress and detected eight PFAS chemicals.

PFAS are a class of toxic chemicals that studies have linked to many diseases, decreased fertility, birth defects, and developmental effects. PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals”, do not break down naturally in the environment, bioaccumulate in humans, and can be harmful at levels in the parts per trillion. A study published May 2024 confirmed that PFAS can be absorbed through human skin.

“It is unethical to falsely advertise that a mattress for infants is nontoxic, natural and safe when it exposes them to eight harmful PFAS chemicals. Parents pay a premium for Saatva crib mattresses because they think the mattresses are safe and healthy for their babies. Putting infants at risk to boost profits is unconscionable,” said Diana Reeves, Executive Director of Toxin Free USA.

“If we are going to solve the existential health, biodiversity, and climate crises that threaten a sustainable future, it is critical that companies are honest about embracing meaningful solutions that are “nontoxic,” “safe,” “natural,” and “eco-friendly,” said Jay Feldman, Executive Director of Beyond Pesticides.

The lawsuit, filed under the D.C. Consumer Protection Procedures Act, seeks to end Saatva’s deceptive marketing. Plaintiffs are represented by Richman Law & Policy.

Read the Saatva complaint.

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GMO/Toxin Free USA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit advocating for a clean, healthy food system and environment, non-toxic consumer products, and educating consumers about the hazards of GMOs, synthetic pesticides and other toxins. www.toxinfreeusa.org

Beyond Pesticides, founded in 1981, is a national grassroots nonprofit organization headquartered in the District of Columbia that works with allies in protecting public health and the environment, through the identification of the hazards of toxicants in land, air, water, food, and consumer products and the advancement of meaningful solutions to the current existential health, biodiversity, and climate crises. www.beyondpesticides.org

Press inquiries contact:

Luan Van Le, GMO/Toxin Free USA, 347.921.1466, info@gmofreeusa.org

Jay Feldman, Beyond Pesticides, 202.543.5450, JFeldman@beyondpesticides.org

The post Toxin Free USA and Beyond Pesticides Sue Saatva on PFAS Tainted Crib Mattresses appeared first on GMO / Toxin Free USA.

Washington, DC, October 23, 2023 — Toxin Free USA, a nonprofit dedicated to consumer protection and education, filed a lawsuit against Cava Group, Inc., a restaurant chain specializing in Mediterranean food, alleging deceptive marketing of its food and business practices.

CAVA prominently advertises its food as “healthy” and its business as environmentally sustainable. CAVA’s mission statement is “to bring heart, health, and humanity to food.” CAVA also states, “We believe in: Serving delicious food that helps more people eat well and live well. Taking care of the people and things that feed us: the earth, farmers, purveyors, and team members.”

But, Toxin Free USA facilitated pesticide residue testing of CAVA’s cabbage slaw, lentils, pitas, pita chips, and rice and found various biocides, including glyphosate, imazalil, isoprothiolane, piperonyl butoxide, tebuconazole, and tricyclazole. Glyphosate in particular is a pesticide that over 1,000 peer-reviewed studies have linked to health and environmental harms.

Additionally, lab tests of its grain and salad bowls by Toxic-Free Future revealed high levels of organic fluorine, an indicator that a product contains PFAS, a class of toxic chemicals that peer-reviewed studies have linked to cancer, autoimmune disease, thyroid disease, liver damage, high blood pressure, obesity, hormone disruption, decreased immunity, decreased fertility, and birth defects and harmful developmental effects in infants. Subsequent testing by Consumer Reports found high levels of organic fluorine.

Toxin Free USA commissioned additional testing and also found organic fluorine in CAVA’s bowls. PFAS chemicals are known to migrate from food packaging to food, exposing consumers to these toxic chemicals. Food packaging made with PFAS cannot be safely composted and pollutes soil and water when disposed of in a landfill.

According to the 2021 Food & Health Survey by Food Insight, chemicals in food represent the most important food safety issue to consumers. Consumers rated this concern more highly than any other, including foodborne illness from bacteria. Toxin Free USA alleges that CAVA is misleading health-conscious consumers with its advertising.

“Food and products containing toxic PFAS chemicals and toxic pesticides such as glyphosate are neither healthy nor environmentally sustainable. If CAVA really wants to ‘take care of the Earth’, the company must remove these chemicals from their products. CAVA must stop greenwashing,” said Diana Reeves, Executive Director of Toxin Free USA.

The CAVA suit, filed under the D.C. Consumer Protection Procedures Act, seeks to end CAVA’s deceptive marketing. Toxin Free USA is represented by Richman Law & Policy.

Read the full CAVA complaint here.

Press inquiries contact:
Luan Van Le, 347-921-1466, info@gmofreeusa.org

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GMO/Toxin Free USA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit advocating for a clean, healthy food system and environment, non-toxic consumer products, and educating consumers about the hazards of GMOs, synthetic pesticides and other toxins. www.toxinfreeusa.org

The post Toxin Free USA Sues CAVA for Food Containing Pesticides and Food Packaging Containing PFAS appeared first on GMO / Toxin Free USA.