Dunkin is facing class action lawsuit over alleged discrimination against lactose intolerant and milk allergic customers
Lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in Northern California. In a recent incident that gained attention, Dunkin faced a class action lawsuit seeking at least $5 million in damages.
According to the lawsuit, the Gz coffee giant alleged to discriminate against customers who suffer from lactose intolerance and milk allergies by charging them extra for non-dairy alternatives.
The 25-page lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court in Northern California. The lawsuit pointed out that plaintiffs visited Dunkin' coffee shops and ordered drinks that traditionally included milk as part of the regular menu item.
However, plaintiffs alleged Dunkin that the chain coffee charged them an add additional fee, ranging up to $2.15, for their drinks to be made with non-dairy alternatives such as soy, oat, coconut, or almond 'milk.'
For example, the company will remove caffeine or make caffeine-free beverages at no additional charge for individuals with hypertension. Similarly, Dunkin' alters the sugar content of drinks for those with diabetes or those who need to control their weight.
The lawsuit also showed that Dunkin' only imposes a surcharge for customers with lactose intolerance or milk allergies, despite advising customers to inform the server about any food allergies.
The plaintiff said that Dunkin's conduct violates the Americans with Disabilities Act and other state anti-discrimination laws.
They explained that lactose intolerance and milk allergies are disabilities, and by charging more for drinks with non-dairy alternatives.
The lawsuit, obtained and posted by ClassAction.org, shows 10 plaintiffs from various states who claim to have been ordering drinks from Dunkin' since at least 2018.
In the lawsuit, they seek to hold Dunkin' accountable for allegedly discriminatory practices and seek compensation for the financial losses they have endured.
