'Carving not on actual product': Reese's adds disclaimer after lawsuit over pumpkin candy design
Printed directly beneath an illustration of a pumpkin-shaped face.
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If you pick up a pack of Reese’s Peanut Butter Pumpkins this Halloween, you might notice a small but notable change on the wrapper.
The Hershey Company has added a new disclaimer to its iconic seasonal candy packaging, printed directly beneath an illustration of a pumpkin-shaped treat featuring a carved jack-o’-lantern face.
The new label reads: “CARVING NOT ON ACTUAL PRODUCT.”
The update replaces the phrase “Decorating Suggestion,” which previously occupied the spot on older wrappers.
The change follows the dismissal of a federal lawsuit filed against Hershey that alleged deceptive marketing. Plaintiffs in the suit argued that the company tricked consumers by displaying detailed, carved faces on the outer packaging while the actual peanut butter cups inside were blank and featureless.
A federal judge dismissed the case, ruling that the lack of carved features amounted to subjective consumer disappointment rather than an actionable legal injury or product defect.
Despite winning the court challenge, Hershey opted to update the packaging fine print to leave no ambiguity for shoppers heading into the holiday season.
