An agreement to settle a class action lawsuit against Coca-Cola over its marketing of Vitaminwater would not stop deceptive marketing of the products or give consumers any relief, according to an objection filed by the Center for Science in the Public Interest. CSPI sued Coca-Cola in a California federal court in 2009 citing deceptive and unsubstantiated claims marketing Vitaminwater as being healthier than soda. Coca-Cola has used words such as "defense", "rescue", "energy", and "endurance" to describe the product. Labels on the product also make claims stating that the products promote healthy joints, reduce the risk of eye disease, and other health benefits. The product contains no more than 1% juice, but references blueberry, strawberry, kiwi, peach, mango, and other fruits on the … [Read more...]
Three States File Lawsuits Against 5-Hour Energy Maker
Three states: Oregon, Vermont, and Washington, have filed lawsuits against the makers of 5-Hour Energy, a drink that is loaded with caffeine, for deceptive marketing. That product has been linked to 22 deaths reported to the government since 2004. The defendants are Living Essentials and Innovation Ventures. The Oregon complaint alleges that the companies "repeatedly violated the Oregon Unlawful Trade Practices Act (UTPA) by making deceptive and misleading claims about the 5-hour Energy products." The company used print, television, internet, and radio advertising to claim that the product has a "unique combination of ingredients" that provided consumers with "energy, alertness and focus", when the only active ingredient was a concentrated dose of caffeine. Vitamins, enzymes, and amino … [Read more...]
