The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) has filed a class action lawsuit against Coca Cola alleging that the claims the soft drink giant makes about its VitaminWater drink are deceptive.
Specifically, the marketing materials of VitaminWater allegedly claim that it helps reduce the risk of chronic diseases and eye disease, and promotes healthy joints and support of immune function.
The CSPI claims that the drink does more to promote obesity, diabetes and other related health problems, as the drink contains 33 grams of sugar, according to their nutritionists. A 12-ounce can of a typical soft drink contains 39 grams of sugar. Furthermore, there is less than 1 percent juice in any of the drinks, despite the fact that they are named after fruits such as Kiwi Strawberry, etc.
In December 2008, the FDA warned Coca Cola about claims the company was making around Diet Coke Plus, claims that the drink contained a variety of vitamins and minerals, which violates US policy on marketing sodas and other snack foods as being more nutritious than they actually may be.
