Consumers buying Costco’s Kirkland Signature Five Cheese Tortelloni with Parmigiano Reggiano are at the centre of a proposed class action lawsuit over “no preservatives” claims on the packaging, according to a federal complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.
The lawsuit alleges the frozen pasta was marketed as preservative-free despite allegedly containing manufactured citric acid.
The case, Turner v. Costco Wholesale Corporation, was filed on April 29, 2026 and includes claims under California unfair competition, false advertising, fraud, misrepresentation, unjust enrichment, and breach of warranty laws.
The complaint states that consumers relied on the “no preservatives” representation when purchasing the product and say they would not have bought it, or would have paid less, if the ingredient disclosure had been different.
The allegations have not been tested in court and represent claims contained in a civil filing, not judicial findings.
What the Federal Court Filing Says
The complaint alleges Costco sold the Kirkland Signature Five Cheese Tortelloni with Parmigiano Reggiano using a “no preservatives” label while the ingredient list allegedly included manufactured citric acid.
Plaintiff Sydney Turner says she purchased the product in December 2023 relying on that labeling and claims she would not have made the purchase, or would have paid less, had the information been clearer.
According to the filing, citric acid is produced through industrial fermentation and chemical processing rather than being directly extracted from fruit. The complaint states that citric acid is widely used in food production and is recognised as safe by regulators, including the FDA.
The filing argues that the front-of-package “no preservatives” claim may conflict with how the ingredient list presents the product.
Sydney Turner is seeking to represent a proposed class of consumers and is asking for damages, restitution, legal fees and a jury trial.
People Also Ask
Why is Costco being sued over tortelloni?
The lawsuit claims Costco marketed its Kirkland Signature tortelloni as containing “no preservatives” while manufactured citric acid allegedly appeared in the ingredients list.
What is the Costco class action lawsuit about?
It concerns allegations that the packaging on a frozen pasta product may have misled consumers by suggesting it contained no preservatives.
Is citric acid considered a preservative in food?
Citric acid is commonly used in food production for acidity control and preservation functions, depending on how it is formulated and applied.
Does the lawsuit say the product is unsafe?
No. The complaint focuses on labeling and consumer interpretation, not product safety or health risks.
Has the lawsuit been proven in court?
No. It is currently a federal complaint, and all claims remain allegations that have not been tested in court.