Mother Suing Nestle Over Toxic Ingredients In Frozen Pizza

A California mother is suing Swiss food giant Nestle in a $5 million class-action lawsuit over its alleged use of toxic carcinogens.

Nestle, the company behind popular frozen pizza brands like DiGiorgno, Stouffer’s, and California Pizza Kitchen, is under fire for using trans fats in its packaged pizzas. While California, New York and Philadelphia all ban trans fats in foods served in restaurants, there is no regulation against using it in packaged and frozen foods.

Katie Simpson of San Diego filed the lawsuit last week, and is arguing that the company’s use of trans fat, also called unsaturated fat, is a danger to public health. Trans fats raise bad cholesterol, lower good cholesterol and ultimately increase the risk of heart disease.

Nestle says it will defend itself against the allegation, saying the company is in strict compliance with all FDA regulations. Currently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration only requires companies to list all of their ingredients, including trans fats, on the label.

Thailand personal injury attorney, Jiraporn Thongphong, said that in such a lawsuit, evidence is needed showing a clear link between the food consumed and the illness. This usually requires a testimony from a medical expert.

In Thailand, street food is not as strictly regulated as the food served in restaurants and grocery stores. Oftentimes, the meat and seafood purchased at a street stall hasn’t been fully cooked or has sat out in humidity and heat. Travelers who come to Thailand hoping to experience the street food culture should ensure the food they eat is prepared fresh and in front of them if possible.