Hershey Lawsuit Update: Claims, Allegations & Legal News
In late 2024 and early 2025, Hershey faced class-action lawsuits claiming its candy wrappers contain PFAS, also called “forever
In late 2024 and early 2025, Hershey faced class-action lawsuits claiming its candy wrappers contain PFAS, also called “forever chemicals.” These man-made substances resist breaking down and may cause health risks like cancer, hormone problems, and liver damage.
Initial lawsuits were filed by individuals such as Bernadette Beekman (December 2024) and Jonathan Parish (October 2024) in Pennsylvania courts. Plaintiffs say independent tests detected “high” or “alarmingly high” levels of PFAS in wrappers of popular items like Hershey’s Milk Chocolate bar, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Hershey’s Kisses, Kit Kat, Almond Joy, Mounds, and Reese’s Pieces.
These lawsuits claim Hershey knew about contamination but failed to disclose it—arguing the packaging is misbranded, and consumers paid more because they trusted the brand’s safety claims.
Hershey’s Response
In June 2025, Hershey filed a motion to dismiss in the consolidated “Parish” case, calling it “a house of cards.” The company said it banned PFAS in food packaging “well over a decade” ago, tested suppliers regularly, and believed any PFAS came from background environmental sources—not its packaging. Hershey also argued that no credible evidence shows PFAS migrated into the food itself.
Lawsuit Status
Consolidation: Related PFAS cases are merged under Parish v. Hershey Co. in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.
Pending: As of July 2025, the court has not yet ruled on Hershey’s dismissal motion.
Regulatory pressure: U.S. FDA banned PFAS in food-contact materials starting July 1, 2025, with no grace period.
False Advertising: Reese’s Seasonal Packaging
A second major lawsuit focuses on false advertising related to Reese’s seasonal designs.
What the Allegations Say
In May 2024, a Florida class-action suit named Reese’s Peanut Butter Pumpkins, Ghosts, Bats, Footballs, and others. Plaintiffs claim packaging shows “explicit carved‑out artistic designs” (pumpkin faces, ghost shapes, football stitching) that are missing in the actual candy. The law firm Russo & Kelly filed the case on behalf of Florida customers, including four named plaintiffs.
These consumers say they would not have bought the candies or would have paid less if they knew the actual items didn’t match the images. The suit invokes Florida’s “Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act” and seeks at least $5 million.
Media Coverage
Major media and legal outlets have covered the case:
NPR, USA Today, People, Reuters, Forbes, and CNN reported on plaintiffs’ focus on mismatch between packaging and actual candy.
Lawyers emphasize social media and YouTube videos as evidence of consumer complaints.
Hershey’s Current Position
Hershey has filed a motion to dismiss this false-advertising lawsuit. As of July 2025, the court has not reached a decision.
Other Legal Claims
Hershey has faced various other lawsuits in past years:
Child labor: Accusations about cocoa sourcing in Cote d’Ivoire in 2015 and 2018 were dismissed—courts ruled these were not actionable under consumer protection law.
One Protein Bar sugar content: A 2020 class action claimed mislabeling, but Hershey settled separately.
Overtime wages: In 2023, hourly workers alleged unpaid overtime for time spent in protective gear, still pending.
Organic & ethical sourcing: Suit in January 2024 claimed misrepresentation of sustainability in its organic chocolates.
White chocolate Kit‑Kats: A 2019 suit alleged they did not contain real white chocolate.
Legal Trends and Context
These Hershey lawsuits fit into broader legal and regulatory trends:
PFAS lawsuits are becoming widespread. Brands like McDonald’s, Burger King, Coke, Kerrygold, and Snack producers have all faced PFAS-related legal scrutiny.
FDA action: After a grace period ending June 30, 2025, PFAS-coated packaging is banned for food contact. Companies now face audits, testing, certifications, and potential recalls.
False advertising suits have grown, especially in food packaging, where consumers sue when products don’t match marketing images.
What Comes Next
PFAS Case Timeline
Dismissal motion: Court reviewing dismissal filed June 2025.
Discovery: If motion denied, both sides will exchange evidence—lab tests, documents, expert testimony.
Possible settlement: Hershey may settle to avoid trial or proceed to decision. Many food brands have opted to settle PFAS claims.
Reese’s Packaging Case
Motion to dismiss clears or allows case to proceed.
Certification: Court may decide if Florida class can move forward.
Settlement or trial: Hershey might settle to resolve consumer claims, or fight in court.
Why This Matters
Consumer trust: Hershey’s reputation for quality and safety is at risk.
Regulatory compliance: FDA ban on PFAS shifts industry standards.
Legal precedent: Outcomes could affect packaging law, testing, labeling expectations.
Costs: Large cash damages or new behavior may impact pricing or product design.
Terminology Explained
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| PFAS | A group of chemicals that stay in the environment long time and may cause health issues |
| Class-action | Legal case where many people with similar claims join together |
| Motion to dismiss | A request to throw out a lawsuit before full trial |
| False advertising | Claim that marketing misleads consumer about product’s real features |
| Settlement | Agreement to end lawsuit, often with payment, before a final decision |
