Israeli Retailer Faces $2.3 Million Class Action Over Mislabeling Cheese Product

A class action lawsuit seeking 2.3 million shekels has been filed against Global Retail, operator of Carrefour and Yeynot Bitan supermarket chains in Israel. The suit alleges that the company misled consumers by marketing a product containing vegetable fat as "Danabol-style cheese," violating legal standards and consumer protection laws. The claim, submitted to Haifa Magistrate's Court by attorney Golan Naftali, focuses on the product's presentation on Global Retail’s websites, app, and physical stores, where it was listed under cheese categories and search results.

The plaintiff argues that the product does not meet the legal definition of cheese due to its vegetable fat content, and that the packaging itself does not label it as cheese. The manufacturer and importer reportedly avoid calling it cheese, but Global Retail’s marketing created the impression it was genuine cheese. The plaintiff states he purchased the product relying on this representation.

The lawsuit cites Israeli Public Health Regulations, official standards, and the Consumer Protection Law, claiming the labeling constitutes statutory violations, consumer deception, infringement on consumer autonomy, and unjust enrichment. Global Retail operates Carrefour and Yeynot Bitan nationwide, and the plaintiff estimates around 23,000 purchases of the product over the past seven years, seeking to represent all consumers who bought it during this period.

The 2.3 million shekel claim demands partial refunds, consumer compensation, and a court order requiring the company to change how the product is presented. Currently, the court has only received the request for class action certification and has not ruled on the merits. Global Retail has yet to respond publicly to the allegations.