Brands are desperate to emphasize that they’re “Made in America” as President Trump pushes for a homegrown manufacturing renaissance. However, some companies have been charged with misleading customers by claiming their products are made in America, when in fact they aren’t. As a result, dozens of brands are now facing legal action over their advertising and packaging. High profile products like Goya Foods, French’s Mustard, PepsiCo’s Pure Leaf Teas and Dude Wipes have been drawn into the fray. Last year, hair care brand Olaplex, which claimed to be made in America, was sued and wound up paying $1.05 million in fines. Another high profile case saw a jury award $2.36 million to class action plaintiffs that sued the maker of Bigelow Teas after the company inaccurately put “Manufactured in USA” on its packaging, while the tea leaves were actually grown and processed in India and Sri Lanka. Even Stellantis, the maker of Jeep and Ram automobiles, changed their ad campaigns to avoid saying their vehicles are built in America because they contain imported parts. So far, no juries have ever ruled in favor of defending companies.
