$1,300 cash boost for Woolworths, Coles shoppers as major class action lawsuit launched

A major class action lawsuit has been launched against Woolworths and Coles, alleging the supermarkets misled customers about the nutritional value of their home brand products.

The lawsuit, filed in the Federal Court of Australia, alleges that Woolworths and Coles sold products that were labelled as "healthy" or "low in fat" when they were actually high in sugar, salt and unhealthy fats.

The lawsuit is being led by law firm Maurice Blackburn, which is representing a group of consumers who purchased Woolworths and Coles home brand products between 2015 and 2023.

Maurice Blackburn alleges that Woolworths and Coles breached the Australian Consumer Law by engaging in misleading and deceptive conduct.

The lawsuit comes after a series of investigations by consumer groups and the media found that many Woolworths and Coles home brand products were high in sugar, salt and unhealthy fats.

A 2019 investigation by the CHOICE consumer group found that 40% of Woolworths and Coles home brand products were high in sugar, and 20% were high in saturated fat.

A 2020 investigation by the ABC's Four Corners program found that many Woolworths and Coles home brand products were labelled as "healthy" or "low in fat" when they were actually high in sugar and salt.

The lawsuit alleges that Woolworths and Coles knew or ought to have known that their home brand products were not as healthy as they were represented to be.

Maurice Blackburn is seeking damages for consumers who purchased Woolworths and Coles home brand products between 2015 and 2023.

The damages sought include the cost of the products, as well as compensation for any health problems that consumers may have suffered as a result of consuming the products.

Woolworths and Coles have not yet commented on the lawsuit.

If you have purchased Woolworths or Coles home brand products between 2015 and 2023, you may be eligible to join the class action lawsuit.

For more information, you can contact Maurice Blackburn on 1300 632 611.