David Protein Lawsuit: Fat & Calorie Claims Under Fire

A class action lawsuit has been filed against David Protein, a brand operated by Linus Technologies Inc., alleging that its protein bars are inaccurately labeled regarding fat and calorie content. The complaint, filed on January 23, asserts that the products contain substantially more calories and fat than indicated on their packaging, potentially violating state and federal consumer protection laws.

According to the lawsuit, test results from an accredited laboratory indicate that the bars have between 268 and 275 calories per serving and 11 to 13.5g of fat, far exceeding the declared 150 calories and 2g of fat. The plaintiffs contend that this misrepresentation violates FDA regulations, which permit only a 20 percent deviation from declared nutrient values. David Protein founder Peter Rahal has stated the company will vigorously defend the claims, suggesting a misunderstanding of how the FDA measures calories for EPG, an ingredient used in the bars.

EPG, a plant-based fat substitute, is designed to reduce calories while mimicking fat's texture and taste. However, research indicates potential gastrointestinal side effects from high daily consumption of EPG. The lawsuit seeks damages and restitution for consumers who purchased these allegedly misbranded bars in the United States. The plaintiffs argue that proper disclosure of nutritional content would have impacted purchasing decisions, leading either to non-purchase or a lower price point.

The plaintiffs are pursuing damages, restitution, and injunction relief to prevent David Protein from continuing to sell products with inaccurate nutrition labels. The lawsuit seeks to represent all customers who purchased the affected bars across the United States.