The suit wants the court to order Frito Lay to label Light chips with a warning of possible adverse reactions.
In 2003, FDA dropped its requirement that packages of food containing olestra bear a label warning of abdominal cramping and loose stools. In 2004, Frito Lay quietly renamed its line of olestra-containing “WOW!” chips to “Light.” CSPI charges that the intent was to deceive consumers into thinking that the line was olestra-free and low-calorie. Sales of Light soared but so did complaints to CSPI from people who became ill.
Chips in the Light line include Doritos Light; Lay’s Light original and barbecue; Ruffles Light original, cheddar, and sour cream; and Tostitos Light. Proctor & Gamble uses olestra in its fat-free Pringles chips but has removed the Olean (P&G’s brand name for olestra) logo from the package.
CSPI indicated it may make it a class action lawsuit.
