Vitaminwater Lawsuit to Move Forward as Class Action

Coca-Cola Co. Glaceau vitamin water brand bottled water sits on display in a supermarket in Princeton, Illinois, U.S., in this Oct. 12, 2012 file photo. (Daniel Acker/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

By SUSANNA KIM (@skimm)
July 19, 2013

A court ruled that a lawsuit alleging deceptive labeling for Coca-Cola's Vitaminwater drinks may proceed as a class action.

Consumer advocacy group the Center for Science in the Public Interest and consumers in New York and California first filed a lawsuit in Jan. 2009, alleging deceptive labeling and marketing for the soft drink, which included claims that the drink could reduce rise for eye disease, promote healthy joints and support "optimal immune function."

U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert M. Levy recommends that the plaintiffs can litigate for declaratory and injunctive relief, but not for damages.

CSPI Michael F. Jacobson, executive director for the Center for Science in the Public Interest, said, "The marketing of vitaminwater will go down in history as one of the boldest and brashest attempts ever to affix a healthy halo to what is essentially a junk food, a non-carbonated soda. Vitaminwater, like Coca-Cola itself, promotes weight gain, obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and cannot deliver on any of the dishonest claims it has made over the years."

Next, the courtroom fight will return to U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York.

The Coca-Cola Co, said in a statement, "We are very gratified that Magistrate Judge Levy recommended denying class certification as to all monetary damages claims alleged by plaintiffs. We firmly believe the plaintiffs' claims are without merit and will ultimately be rejected. Vitaminwater is a great tasting, hydrating beverage with essential vitamins and water--and labels clearly showing ingredients and calorie content."