Kroger changing chicken labels after lawsuit

The Kroger Co. is changing the words it uses on Simple Truth brand chicken products after settling a lawsuit involving animal advocacy group Compassion Over Killing.

Within the next year, the Cincinnati-based company will drop the claim on chicken packaging that product was "raised in a humane environment." Anna Ortega, represented by the Washington, D.C-based advocacy group, sued Kroger earlier this year contending the claim and others were misleading.

The case, brought under the California consumer protection statutes, alleged Kroger's were claims were deceptive because no meat chickens are raised in cages, and the claim improperly implied Kroger chicken was unique or exceptional.

After parties reached the settlement, U.S. District Court Judge John Kronstadt dismissed the case Friday in Los Angeles.

"We are pleased to see the claim removed from Simple Truth packaging, which we view to be inaccurate," said Cheryl Leahy, general counsel for Compassion Over Killing. "We will continue to work to protect both animals and consumers."

Kroger and its supplier, Perdue Farms, opposed plaintiff's claims.

"We stand by our assertion that the 'raised in a humane environment' claim on our Simple Truth chicken label is accurate," said Gil Phipps, Kroger's vice president of corporate brands. "We are pleased to put this lawsuit behind us and will continue to work with our suppliers to ensure the humane treatment and welfare of animals. Customers should know that all of our Simple Truth chicken products have always been and will remain free from antibiotics and added hormones."

Kroger introduced its Simple Truth and Simple Truth Organic brands nationwide two years ago.