16 Jan - Coca-Cola has hit out at a lawsuit launched against the company in the United States over allegations of misleading claims for its VitaminWater products - calling the action "ridiculous”, “ludicrous” and an “opportunistic PR stunt”.
The strong reaction from the drinks giant came after a US consumer group announced yesterday it had launched a class action lawsuit against Coca-Cola over allegations the company had made deceptive claims about the beverages.
The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) alleges Coca-Cola has made a variety of claims that go beyond those allowed by the Food and Drug Administration.
A CSPI statement said: "Coke markets VitaminWater as a healthful alternative to soda by labelling its several flavours with such health buzz words as 'defense,' 'rescue,' 'energy,' and 'endurance.”
The consumer group, based in Washington D.C. , stated the company says the drinks reduce the risk of chronic disease and eye disease, promote healthy joints and support immune function.
"In fact, according to CSPI nutritionists, the 33 grams of sugar in each bottle of VitaminWater do more to promote obesity, diabetes and other health problems than the vitamins in the drinks do to perform the advertised benefits listed on the bottles," CSPI added.
But, in a statement sent to FLEXNEWS, Coca-Cola rejected the allegations.
Coke Director of Communications Allyson Park said: “This is a ridiculous and ludicrous lawsuit. glacéau vitaminwater is a great tasting, hydrating beverage with essential vitamins and water, with labels showing calorie content. Consumers today are aware and are looking for more from their beverages than just hydration. "
She added the drinks also help to contribute to daily needs for some essential nutrients and that "consumers can readily see the nutrition facts panels on every bottle of glacéau vitaminwater, which show what’s in our product and what’s not".
“Filing a lawsuit is an opportunistic PR stunt. This is not about protecting the public interest. This is about grandstanding at a time when CSPI is receiving very little attention," said Ms Park.
“There is no surprise that one week before the inauguration of the U.S. President, with the flurry of activity in Washington, DC, that CSPI has chosen today to try to bring attention to themselves.”