In a classic “David vs. Goliath” case, and likely the largest legal battle of recent generations, Lexington, MS (population 2,000) lawyer Don Barrett took on tobacco giants, made a permanent impact on the marketing behavior of big tobacco, ultimately impacting the health and well-being of countless citizens and securing $240 billion in damages. If you were to ask Mr. Barrett what inspired him to take on the tobacco giants, he would say it was personal and the right thing to do. After securing $240 billion in damages against big tobacco as well as countless other victories against other giant defendants, you might wonder what Mr. Barrett is doing today. For those who know him well, you already know the answer - he’s out there fighting for what matters - his friends, his family and consumers at large. That he is!
No giant is too big for Mr. Barrett to take on when the cause is personal. Today, Mr. Barrett along with a team of 35 top lawyers across the U.S. is taking on food makers who mislabel products as healthier than they are in order to boost profit. The first of 30 lawsuits filed against big food makers are set to go to trial later this year. According to Mr. Barrett, “The law is clear. Food labels must be honest.” Under FDA regulations, food manufactures must accurately report the ingredients of their products on the label; otherwise the product are illegal and cannot be sold. Studies reveal when consumers are given accurate information about ingredients, it impacts their buying decisions. According to Barrett, “Consumers are more likely to buy a product if it appears healthy, while manufactures can charge a higher price for it.” The problem is that food manufactures are lying about the ingredients.
Click here to read an excellent investigative article penned by John Arlidge, recently published in the Sunday Times Magazine recounting what motivates Don Barrett, detailing what’s behind the current food litigation and why it matters to consumers!
Advocate Capital, Inc. is proud to support the work of trial lawyers like Don Barrett who are passionate about protecting consumers’ rights.
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