Lawsuit Claims Cape Cod Potato Chips Aren’t Truly ‘All Natural’

A class action lawsuit claims The Campbell's Company is not telling the truth by claiming that its Cape Cod Potato Chips brand uses no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. That would amount to false advertising.

Justia Dockets & Filings reported that Rozaliya Ripa of New York filed a class action suit against The Campbell's Company on October 23, 2025, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York.

What the Lawsuit Alleges

Top Class Actions said the suit alleges "violations of state and federal consumer laws." According to the site, Ripa alleges the company "misleads consumers by labelling its Cape Cod Kettle Cooked Potato Chips as containing 'No Artificial Colors, Flavors, or Preservatives,' even though the products actually contain synthetic citric acid."

Top Class Actions stated the suit suggests Campbell's uses this claim to "capitalize on consumers' preference for natural foods, leading them to believe the chips are free from synthetic ingredients."

Health Concerns Over Synthetic Citric Acid

CBS Boston reported, "The lawsuit claims synthetic citric has been linked to health conditions like 'asthma, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, autistic spectrum disorder, and fibromyalgia."

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History of Cape Cod Potato Chips

Founded in 1980 by brothers Steve and Jude Bernard in Harwich, Massachusetts, Cape Cod Potato Chips are still made in Hyannis, where the operation was relocated in 1980. The Campbell's Company purchased Cape Cod Potato Chips in 2018.

Company Response to the Lawsuit

CBS Boston requested comment from Campbell's, but a spokesperson said only, "We decline to comment on this pending litigation."

USDA on Citric Acid Use

MassLive.com reported, "The U.S. Department of Agriculture has noted that natural citric acid is 'no longer commercially available,' making synthetic citric acid the only option for packaged food."