Beer Enthusiasts Sue Anheuser-Busch for Using Imported Hops in 'Product of U.S.A.' Beer
Two California beer drinkers are taking Anheuser-Busch to court over its labeling of beer as “Product of U.S.A.,” even though the beer is made from imported hops. William Nixon and Michael O’Neill filed a class action lawsuit March 27 in California Superior Court in San Francisco. They say the Anheuser-Busch’s labeling of its Busch beer as “Product of U.S.A.” violates a California law that requires all components of a product to be of U.S. origin in order to make “Made in the U.S.A.” claims.
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California Business and Profession Code Section 17533.7 says that it’s unlawful to sell any merchandise that says “’Made in U.S.A.’, “Made in America,’ ‘U.S.A.’ or similar words when the merchandise or any article, unit, or part thereof has been entirely or substantially made, manufactured, or produced outside the United States.” Nixon and O’Neill claim Busch uses imported hops to make its beer, so by putting “Product of U.S.A.” on its Busch beer cans Anheuser-Busch is violating California law.
Nixon and O’Neill said they wouldn’t have bought the beer if it weren’t labeled American-made. They claim to represent anyone who purchased Busch beer in California on or after March 18, 2011 where the can, bottle or package said “Product of U.S.A.” Nixon and O’Neill seek damages, attorneys’ fees, and an injunction on Anheuser-Busch barring any improper labeling by the brewing giant.
Email ITTNews@warren-news.com for a copy of the complaint.