NEW YORK CITY — Customers of Trader Joe’s have filed a class-action lawsuit against the popular grocery chain, claiming that it is under-filling its cans of tuna fish and is in violation of federal standards.
The lawsuit was filed Tuesday at a federal court in Manhattan. It alleges that tests have been performed on 5 oz. cans of tuna to see just how much product is contained within the cans, versus what the cans advertise to contain.
According to the New York Post, one of the tests found that 24 cans of Trader Joe’s Albacore Tuna in Water Half Salt had an average of 2.43 ounces of actual tuna. That is nearly 25% less than the federally-mandated minimum fill weight of 3.23 ounces. Another test found the store’s Albacore Tuna in Olive Oil Salt Added contained about 11% less tuna than the minimum.
The tests, according to the lawsuit, were performed by the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Those involved in the lawsuit say they never would have bought the products if they knew about the discrepancy, and have been ‘injured and harmed’ as a result.
A spokesperson for Trader Joe’s says the company does not comment on pending litigation.
