Target Faces Class Action Over Mac and Cheese Labels
A New York federal lawsuit claims Target's store-brand macaroni and cheese falsely suggests it contains no preservatives.
Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Consumer Goods
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Kiana Vaughan filed a class-action lawsuit against Target Corporation in New York federal court on October 22. The suit alleges Target's Good & Gather and Market Pantry boxed macaroni and cheese contain citric acid, lactic acid powder, and sodium phosphate despite labels stating no artificial preservatives.
Why it matters
The complaint argues consumers are increasingly willing to pay more for foods marketed as preservative-free, and that Target's labeling does not accurately reflect the ingredients. The case could affect how store-brand products are labeled across the United States.
The complaint names eight varieties sold under Target's Good & Gather and Market Pantry brands. The FDA classifies citric acid and lactic acid as acidity regulators that can help preserve food, while the case turns on whether that classification matches the 'no artificial preservatives' label.
The players
Target Corporation
Target Corporation is a major U.S. general merchandise retailer that sells a large range of store-brand grocery and household products.
Kiana Vaughan
Kiana Vaughan is the named plaintiff who filed the proposed class action against Target over its store-brand macaroni and cheese labeling.
The details
The complaint alleges Target's labels are designed to lead consumers to believe the products contain no preservatives. The plaintiff accuses Target of violating New York consumer protection laws and unjust enrichment, and seeks a jury trial, statutory and punitive damages, declaratory and injunctive relief, and attorneys' fees.
Timeline
October 22: Vaughan filed the class-action lawsuit in New York federal court.
March: A separate lawsuit was filed over claims that Target's Good & Gather tuna is falsely marketed as sustainably caught.
Market Landscape
The FDA classifies citric acid and lactic acid as acidity regulators that can help preserve food, which is distinct from the category of artificial preservatives. The lawsuit tests whether private-label 'no preservatives' claims must follow those regulatory definitions or the plain meaning shoppers take from the label.
Shoppers who buy store-brand boxed mac and cheese based on 'no artificial preservatives' labels may find the ingredient lists differ from what they expect. Anyone who purchased the named products within the applicable period could be a member of the proposed class.
The takeaway
Reading the ingredient list rather than relying only on front-of-package claims can help shoppers understand what a product actually contains. Consumers who care about preservatives can compare the full ingredient statement of store-brand items against their expectations.
Further reading
For more on how store brands are shaped, see Consumer Goods coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Independent.
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