Hagens Berman: Lawsuit Accuses Starbucks of Misrepresentations About Human Rights and Chemicals in its Coffee

Core Viewpoint - A class-action lawsuit has been filed against Starbucks Corporation, alleging that the company misleads consumers by claiming to be "Committed to 100% Ethical Coffee Sourcing" while concealing systematic human rights and labor law violations in its supply chain [1][2]. Human Rights Violations - The lawsuit accuses Starbucks of making false representations regarding its ethical sourcing practices, particularly through its C.A.F.E. (Coffee And Farmer Equity) Practices program, which is claimed to be misleading due to documented inaction on human rights violations [4]. - Investigations have revealed extensive human rights abuses, including degrading working conditions and inadequate housing for workers on farms certified under Starbucks' program [5][6]. - A specific complaint from the Brazilian government in 2022 highlighted abusive conditions at Cooxupé, Starbucks' largest supplier in Brazil, which accounts for 40% of its Brazilian coffee supply [6]. Safety: Decaffeination and Chemicals - The lawsuit also addresses misrepresentation regarding Starbucks' decaffeinated coffee, claiming that it contains detectable levels of industrial solvents and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are not disclosed to consumers [7]. - Independent testing revealed the presence of harmful substances such as methylene chloride, benzene, and toluene in Starbucks' decaf coffee products, which could be material to consumers concerned about health and safety [8].