Florida Woman Sues Kraft for $5 Million Over Prep Time for Velveeta Shells and Cheese The class action suit was filed November 18.

By Steve Huff

entrepreneur daily
Bloomberg | Getty Images

Velveeta's microwaveable shells & cheese product takes just three and a half minutes to heat—among the quickest of quick lunches. Florida woman Amanda Ramirez claims it's not that simple.

Ramirez's attorneys filed court documents with the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida on November 18. In the suit against Kraft Heinz Foods Company, Ramirez alleges that heating up an individual serving of Velveeta Shells & Cheese consumes more time to prepare than advertised. She seeks $5 million in damages.

The complaint says instructions on the packaging are "false and misleading." While the label says you should microwave shells & cheese for 3:30, Ramirez's attorneys claim the timing doesn't allow for all the steps required to make the meal. They allege that if you include those—removing the lid and sauce pouch, adding water, heating, then stirring—there's no way the pasta will be ready in just 3:30.

The 15-page lawsuit also contends that the claim is merited because Kraft is essentially making money as "a result of...false and misleading representations."

"The Product is sold at a premium price," the complaint says, "approximately no less than $10.99 for eight 2.39 oz cups, excluding tax and sales, higher than similar products, represented in a non-misleading way, and higher than it would be sold for absent the misleading representations and omissions."

Ramirez isn't just seeking $5 million in damages but also a new ad campaign that will correct the alleged misinformation.

Perhaps predictably, Heinz Foods issued a statement to CNN in which the company dubbed the lawsuit "frivolous" and said it "will strongly defend against the allegations in the complaint."

Steve Huff

Entrepreneur Staff

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Editor's Pick

Side Hustle

This Gen Zer's Stylish Side Hustle Earns About $20,000 a Month and Paid Off His Parents' $200,000 Debt: 'I Enjoy the Hands-Off Nature'

Ray Cao went from working as a barista for $8 an hour to being a successful seller on online marketplace StockX.

Business News

Make $177,566 With No Experience in 3 Months: A Popular Online 'Side Hustle' Course Is Under Investigation After Customers Complain About Its Deceptive Claims

"All you need is a phone, a laptop, wi-fi and one to three hours a day," one affiliate marketer said in a video posted to social media.

Business Ideas

63 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2024

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2024.

Business News

'A Lobstrosity': Social Media Is Losing It Over Martha Stewart's Latest Meal Posting

The 82-year-old caused quite a stir on Instagram this week.