A class action lawsuit against Coca-Cola over making false health claims about its VitaminWater line of beverages is set to go to mediation, the Center for Science in the Public Interest announced.The 2009 VitaminWater class action lawsuit — which was filed by the CSPI and brought together separate class actions in New Jeresy, New York and California — alleged that Coca-Cola had misled consumers about the health benefits of VitaminWater.
VitaminWater is marketed as a healthy alternative to soda since it contains added vitamins, but the CSPI argued in the class action lawsuit that it actually contains 33 grams of sugar — just 6 grams less than a can of Coke. The FDA also prohibits food makers from adding vitamins or other nutrients to an otherwise unhealthy food in order to make a health claim.
A move by Coca-Cola to dismiss the class action lawsuit was rejected last summer. The judge found that the company’s use of the word “healthy” and its health claims about the benefits of the drinks — while omitting the fact that the key ingredient is sugar — violates the FDA’s regulation on vitamin-fortified foods.
CSPI litigation director Stephen Gardner said the VitaminWater class action lawsuit is set to go to mediation in July, but added there is no way to tell if the mediation will result in a class action settlement.
If one is reached, the VitaminWater class action settlement will likely seek monetary relief and compensatory and punitive damages for consumers.
UPDATE 1: An Ohio federal judge preliminarily approved the Vitaminwater class action settlement on Sept. 24, 2014. The final fairness hearing will be held on Dec. 2, 2014.
UPDATE 2: Details about the Vitaminwater class action settlement are now available!
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5 thoughts onVitaminWater Class Action Lawsuit Goes Into Mediation
UPDATE 2: Details about the Vitaminwater class action settlement are now available!
UPDATE: An Ohio federal judge preliminarily approved the Vitaminwater class action settlement on Sept. 24, 2014. The final fairness hearing will be held on Dec. 2, 2014.
I just received a call from an investigator who says they are interviewing people who have purchased vitamin water…makes me wonder what’s up with this. I agree with Jennifer, stevia is a MUCH healthier alternative to the sugars and I also, buy Vitamin Water Zero.
I do not drink enough water. So, when a “water” comes out and claims it is healthy and full of vitamins, I expect just that. If you put sugar in it, you may as well be drinking a soda. I do not want the sugar and I should be able to rely on the name and the reputation/advertising people to keep it honest. I don’t have time, nor is my sight keen enough to stop and read every thing. Guess I will have to try. When did lying and dishonestly get to be so acceptable??
VitaminWater Class Action Lawsuit Goes Into Mediation
This is a bit of a stretch. If you read the ingredients, you make an informed decision based on that. There are a lot of products out there, like “fruit snacks” that claim health because it has “100% daily value of Vitamin C!” but its primary ingredient is corn syrup. At least Vitamin Water uses unrefined sugar – evaporated cane juice – which is much healthier than highly processed sugar.
I drink Vitamin Water Zero. It has stevia, no sugar…tastes better, IMO. So if you want it without the sugar, drink that instead.