Dive Summary:
- In the same week that PepsiCo. agreed to change claims on its Naked Juice labels, a U.S. federal judge pushed forward a class-action lawsuit against Coca-Cola over its health benefit claims for Vitaminwater products.
- U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert Levy's recommendation that the case proceed became public Thursday, explaining that the consumers should not be able to sue for monetary damages (a decision that pleased Coca-Cola), but that they should be able to challenge the beverage giant's labeling and marketing practices.
- The case must now go to U.S. District Judge Dora Irizarry to be approved.
From the article:
... Plaintiffs in the 4-1/2-year-old lawsuit included California and New York residents, with support from the Center for Science in the Public Interest, a health advocacy group.
The group accused Coca-Cola of deceptively marketing Vitaminwater as an alternative to water and sugared soft drinks that could promote healthy joints, boost the immune system and help people fight eye disease, among other health benefits. ...