A new class action lawsuit has been filed against a beverage company, accusing it of misleading consumers with false protein content claims on its product labels. On December 19, 2024, Mehva Roffman filed the complaint in the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco, against REBBL, Inc.
The case centers around allegations that REBBL, Inc., a manufacturer of plant-based beverages, falsely advertised the protein content in its "Plant Powered Elixir" drinks. According to the complaint, REBBL prominently displays claims such as "16g protein" on its product packaging without adhering to federal regulations that require disclosure of the actual usable protein amount based on quality measures. The plaintiff argues that these claims are misleading because they do not account for the digestibility and amino acid profile of the pea protein used in these products. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) mandates that companies must calculate and disclose the "corrected amount of protein per serving" using a method called Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score (PDCAAS). This score reflects how much of the stated protein is actually available for human use. The lawsuit alleges that REBBL failed to provide this information on their nutrition facts panel, thus violating both state and federal laws.
Mehva Roffman asserts that she purchased these beverages under the belief that they contained 16 grams of usable protein per serving as advertised. She claims she would not have bought them or would have paid less if she had known about the actual lower protein content due to incomplete amino acid profiles and digestibility issues inherent in pea proteins. The lawsuit accuses REBBL of engaging in unlawful business practices under California's Unfair Competition Law by making these misleading claims to gain a competitive edge and command higher prices for their products.
The plaintiff seeks restitution for herself and other affected consumers who purchased REBBL's products based on these alleged misrepresentations. Additionally, she demands non-restitutionary disgorgement—meaning any profits unjustly earned by REBBL through these sales should be surrendered—and compensation for legal fees incurred during this process.
Representing Mehva Roffman are attorneys Seth A. Safier, Marie A. McCrary, Hayley Reynolds, and Rajiv V. Thairani from Gutride Safier LLP. The case is being heard by Judge Sahar Enayati under Case ID CGC-24-620772.