Legal Victory for Consumers: NCL Lawsuit Against Starbucks Moves Forward

Media Contact: Lisa McDonald, Vice President of Communications, 202-207-2829 

Washington, DC – The National Consumers League (NCL) won an important legal victory this week in its case against Starbucks when a Superior Court judge in the District of Columbia rejected the company’s motion to dismiss a lawsuit brought by NCL. 

“Consumers have a right to truthful information under Washington, D.C. law, and this decision is a major step forward to enforcing it,” said Sally Greenberg, NCL CEO. “NCL will pursue our case holding Starbucks accountable as we fight for the consumer’s right to truth, transparency, and basic human rights in the products they consume.” 

NCL sued Starbucks in January 2024 because of the company’s claims that it abides by “100% ethical” sourcing of its coffee and tea products. NCL is arguing that Starbucks’ claims don’t match the reality of its supply chain, which includes farms linked to child labor and other serious abuses. This ruling means that after over a year and a half of delay tactics by Starbucks, the case can finally move forward.  

More details on the lawsuit are below. The court’s order denying Starbucks’ motion to dismiss can be found here. 

NCL’s initial statement regarding the lawsuit can be found here.  

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About the National Consumers League (NCL)      

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.