Pedialyte class action claims ‘healthy’ hydration drinks contain harmful artificial sweetener

Pedialyte class action lawsuit overview:

• Who: Four consumers filed a class action lawsuit against Abbott Laboratories.
• Why: The plaintiffs allege Abbott Laboratories misled consumers about the safety of its Pedialyte products, which contained the artificial sweetener sucralose.
• Where: The Pedialyte class action lawsuit was filed in Illinois federal court.

A new class action lawsuit alleges Abbott Laboratories misled consumers about the safety of its Pedialyte products, which contained the artificial sweetener sucralose.

Lead plaintiff Paresa Chowdhury filed the class action complaint against Abbott Laboratories on Sept. 23 in Illinois federal court, alleging violations of state and federal consumer laws.

The plaintiffs allege Abbott Laboratories marketed Pedialyte electrolyte drinks and powders containing sucralose as safe and healthy hydration beverages and powders for children and adults.

However, they say sucralose, the sugar alternative in the products, has been shown to be genotoxic, cause and worsen diabetes and obesity and increase the risk for cardiovascular diseases and cancer, among other harms.

The plaintiffs also claim recent research suggests that sucralose metabolizes in the body into sucralose-6-acetate, a genotoxic compound.

Despite this, Abbott Laboratories failed to disclose the harmful effects of sucralose and sucralose-6-acetate to consumers, the Pedialyte class action lawsuit alleges.

Abbott Laboratories marketed Pedialyte electrolyte drinks as healthy, plaintiffs say

According to the class action lawsuit, Abbott Laboratories marketed the products as healthy zero-sugar hydration beverages and powders for health-conscious individuals.

The company also implied that the products were safe to consume, especially for adults and children when sick and/or dehydrated, the plaintiffs claim.

However, because Abbott Laboratories included sucralose in the products’ formula, the products allegedly harm consumers by exposing them to sucralose-6-acetate and a host of adverse health effects that are likely to increase the risk of obesity and cancer as well as cause or worsen diabetes.

The plaintiffs argue Abbott Laboratories’ representations and omissions are therefore material, false and misleading.

The lawsuit seeks to represent anyone who purchased Pedialyte products containing sucralose in Illinois, California, Massachusetts and New York. The plaintiffs are suing for violations of state consumer protection laws and seek certification of the class action, damages, fees, costs and a jury trial.

In May, the World Health Organization recommended against the use of non-sugar sweeteners for weight control, saying they do not provide long-term benefits and may increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and mortality.

Meanwhile, Langer Juice Co. faced a class action lawsuit in June alleging it falsely advertised its juice products as “100% juice” even though they contain various additives.

What do you think of the claims made in this Pedialyte class action lawsuit? Let us know in the comments.

The plaintiffs are represented by Carl V. Malmstrom of Wolf Haldenstein Adler Freeman & Herz LLC and Max S. Roberts of Bursor & Fisher P.A.

The Pedialyte class action lawsuit is Chowdhury, et al. v. Abbott Laboratories, Case No. 1:25-cv-11530, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.

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