The Oregon Supreme Court ruled on April 4, 2025, that a class-action lawsuit against the Tillamook County Creamery Association can move forward. The lawsuit, originally filed in 2020, claims that Tillamook misled consumers by branding its dairy products as coming from small, family-owned farms in Tillamook County. In reality, the majority of its milk is sourced from large-scale factory farms in Eastern Oregon. The court’s decision reverses an earlier dismissal by a lower court, opening the door for plaintiffs to pursue their false advertising claims.
Plaintiffs argue that Tillamook’s marketing gave consumers the impression they were supporting local, small-scale agriculture, when in fact they were unknowingly supporting industrial farming operations. The Supreme Court’s ruling underscores the legal importance of truth in advertising and could set a significant precedent for how food companies promote their sourcing and ethical practices. As the case proceeds, it will likely draw increased public attention to transparency and accountability in the food industry.
This blog is intended to provide information to the general public and to practitioners about developments that may impact Oregon class actions.
