A Lawsuit filed Thursday against more than two-dozen wineries claims they are producing low-cost wines that contain dangerously, high levels of arsenic, according to the lawsuit filed in Los Angele Superior Court.
The suit claims dozens of wineries are violating California state law by knowingly producing, marketing and selling arsenic contaminated wine and failing to warn consumers about the potential danger. Only one of the wineries named, Corbett Canyon, is located in San Luis Obispo County.
Some of the popular wine brands named in the lawsuit include Franzia, Ménage à Trois, Sutter Home, Wine Cube, Charles Shaw, Glen Ellen, Cupcake, Beringer and Vendage. The wines named in the lawsuit are primarily inexpensive white or blush varietals including Moscato, Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc. Find a full list of wines here.
Trader Joe’s and several wineries issued statements Friday saying that they intend to challenge the allegations.
“While we do not comment on pending litigation, we are investigating the matter with several of our wine-producing suppliers,” said Trader Joe’s spokeswoman Rachel Broderick in a statement. “We will not offer any product we feel is unsafe. Ever. We have no reason to believe the wines we offer are unsafe, including Charles Shaw white zinfandel.”
The class action lawsuit was filed on behalf of California consumers who purchased the wines in the last four years.
