California prosecutors have reached a $1.25 million settlement with The Kroger Company after investigators found the retailer advertised inaccurate calorie information on multiple Carbmaster bread products sold across the state. The civil enforcement action was brought jointly by district attorneys in Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Riverside counties, following a multi‑year review of calorie representations on five Carbmaster varieties: White, Wheat, Multiseed breads, and Hamburger and Hot Dog buns.
According to prosecutors, Kroger miscalculated the calorie content when the products were introduced in 2021. Although the company later corrected the FDA Nutrition Facts Panel, it continued displaying the lower, inaccurate calorie values on front‑of‑package labels for at least six months. In one instance, an online listing retained the incorrect calorie number for nearly two years after Kroger became aware of the investigation.
The discrepancies were substantial. Carbmaster Hamburger Buns were advertised as containing 50 calories but actually contained 100. White and wheat bread varieties were advertised at 30 calories per serving when the correct value was 50. These products were sold at Ralphs, Food 4 Less, and Foods Co. stores throughout California.
Prosecutors stated that accurate calorie information is essential for consumers, particularly those following specialty diets. They emphasized that Kroger, as one of the nation’s largest food retailers, had a responsibility to ensure the accuracy of its nutritional representations.
During the litigation, courts sanctioned Kroger for discovery‑related and legal‑conduct issues. A federal court imposed a $9,800 sanction, while a Santa Barbara County Superior Court judge issued a $12,750 sanction for failure to comply with court orders.
The settlement includes civil penalties, investigative cost recovery, and funding for statewide consumer‑protection efforts. Prosecutors said the resolution reinforces the importance of truthful labeling and ensures that consumers receive accurate nutritional information when making purchasing decisions.
Sources
- AOL
- ABC7 News
- The Santa Barbara Independent
- Ventura County District Attorney
- Riverside County District Attorney