A Popular Frozen Pasta at the Center of a Lawsuit
A popular frozen pasta sold at Costco has become the focus of a lawsuit, with claims that it may have put customers’ health at risk. The product in question is the Kirkland Signature Five Cheese Tortelloni with Parmigiano Reggiano. On the front of its packaging, the phrase “no preservatives” is printed in italics, which could mislead consumers into thinking the product is free from artificial additives.
However, a closer look at the ingredients list on the back of the package reveals that the pasta contains citric acid, a preservative that is produced using industrial and chemical processes. This discovery led to a legal action against Costco, as one customer, Sophie Turner, argues that she would not have purchased the product if she had known about the presence of preservatives.
Turner filed the lawsuit in California last month, accusing Costco of misrepresenting the product and leading consumers to believe it was free from artificial preservatives. She also claims that citric acid may be linked to adverse health effects, although she does not specify these in the lawsuit. Previous studies have suggested that this preservative might increase the risk of tooth decay, inflammation, and even cancer.
The lawsuit was filed on April 29 in the US District Court for the Central District of California. Turner alleged that she bought the pasta in December 2023, before discovering the labeling issue and eventually filing the lawsuit. She is now seeking a class action against Costco, along with damages, fees, costs, and a trial by jury. Turner is being represented by Adrian Gucovschi of Gucovschi Law Firm PLLC, a lawyer who has previously led class action lawsuits against some of the largest corporations in the nation.
A review of the packaging of a Costco product with the same name shared online in 2021 shows that it had a “no preservatives” label on the front of its packaging. However, the current packaging for the Kirkland Signature Five Cheese Tortelloni with Parmigiano Reggiano on the retailer’s website does not include this claim. It is possible that Costco has updated its packaging for the product. Daily Mail has contacted Costco for comment.
The pasta is popular among shoppers, with many praising its quality and flavor. An Instagram post from Costco Food Reviews, which reviews foods from the major discount retailer, said: “This cheese tortelloni is so delicious for being store bought. It’s one of my favorite quick and easy meals to always have on hand.” The post also highlighted that unlike some store-bought tortelloni, this pasta keeps its shape after boiling and no filling leaks out or water gets in. Another user commented: “Love this! I use it in my tortelloni soup and it’s perfect!”
Citric acid occurs naturally in citrus fruits, but can also be made in the lab using a mold called Aspergillus niger. It is one of the most common food additives and preservatives in the US, used in thousands of products, including sodas, candies, packaged goods, and even some meats. Its addition raises the acidic levels in food, helping to slow the growth of bacteria and fungi and preserve color. It is also used to enhance sour flavor in many products.
The FDA says citric acid is generally recognized as safe (GRAS), meaning it can be added to products without concerns over health risks. However, a growing body of evidence suggests that the preservative may not be entirely risk-free. A study published in France last week warned that people who ate more citric acid had a 22 percent higher risk of high blood pressure compared to those who ate less. Another paper from earlier this year analyzed data on the diets of 105,000 French residents for intake of citric acid and 16 other preservatives, warning that those who ate more of these substances had a moderately increased risk of cancer.
Researchers said it was not clear whether the citric acid was causing the effects, or whether this was linked to following a poor diet. Previous research has shown that citric acid can wear down enamel, the outer layer of teeth, raising the risk of dental problems. But some papers have also highlighted the potential health benefits of consuming citric acid. As well as enhancing the taste of some products, experts say that it helps to boost digestion and enhance nutrient absorption in the gut. There is also some evidence that in small quantities it could help to protect against kidney stones.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F Kennedy Junior and his Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement are urging people to eat foods containing fewer preservatives. RFK Jr has repeatedly urged manufacturers to take preservatives and additives out of foods, which he blames in part for the chronic disease epidemic.
