Lean Cuisine Is Getting Sued For Its Allegedly False 'No Preservatives' Claim

Lean Cuisine's food philosophy is "cuisine with a purpose" — freshly made, simply frozen meals with no preservatives to incorporate the company's growing knowledge of health and wellness, according to the company website.

Unfortunately for the company, consumers are saying otherwise with the recent filing of a class action lawsuit against Nestlé, the manufacturer of Lean Cuisine, TMZ reported.

Courtney Ross, the individual who filed the claim, told TMZ that she purchased a Lean Cuisine Four Cheese Pizza, which is advertised as being free of preservatives. Upon reviewing the ingredients, Ross discovered the frozen meal contained citric acid, an ingredient commonly used as a preservative.

The lawsuit claimed that additional Lean Cuisine meals such as Asian-Style Pot Stickers, Shrimp Alfredo, Mushroom Mezzaluna Ravioli, and Ranchero Braised Beef contain citric acid as well.

"By deceptively marketing the products as having 'No Preservatives,' [Nestlé] wrongfully capitalized on, and reaped enormous profits from, consumers' strong preference for food products made free of preservatives," the lawsuit alleges.

In response to the lawsuit, a Nestle representative told TMZ: "The allegations are baseless and we will vigorously defend ourselves. All Nestle products and labels comply with FDA and USDA regulations."