Danone has settled a class action lawsuit brought against the firm over health claims associated with its Activia yoghurt and DanActive probiotic drink products.
In October 2009, a Montreal resident challenged claims made on adverts, labels and packaging that the products aid digestion and prevent colds.
Danone has agreed to amend health claims and will remove the phrases "clinically proven" and "scientifically proven" as well as the word "immunity" from packaging. However, the firm has not admitted any wrongdoing.
Under the terms of the settlement, consumers who bought the products between 1 April 2009 and 6 November 2012 will be eligible for a refund of $15 to $50, depending on how much they spent. Danone estimates that that the settlement will cost $1.7 million.
The outcome mirrors the $21 million settlement reached after an identical action was brought against Danone's US subsidiary, Dannon.
“Danone has amicably settled a class action lawsuit concerning the advertising of our Activia and DanActive brands,” said a Danone statement.
“We assure you that the quality and benefits of these two products remains unchanged. At Danone, we continuously strive to improve the manner in which we communicate. It is for this reason that we have accepted, without acknowledging the grounds raised by the petitioner, to clarify certain of our communications.”
“We continue to believe in our products and the many clinical studies supporting their benefits,” added the statement.
