January 16th, 2009

Reports the Wall Street Journal:

Coca-Cola Co. faces a purported class-action lawsuit initiated by a consumer-advocacy group and other litigants, who say that the beverage giant made deceptive claims about its line of VitaminWater beverages.

The Center for Science in the Public Interest said its litigation department is serving as co-counsel in the suit, which was filed Wednesday in California.

“The idea that you can improve your immunity by drinking one of these VitaminWater drinks is nonsense,” David Schardt, a senior nutritionist for the nonprofit group, said during a conference call with reporters.

The group said Coke markets VitaminWater as a healthful alternative to soda and said the company makes a range of assertions, including claims that the drinks variously reduce the risk of chronic disease and support immune function. The nonprofit’s nutritionists say the levels of sugar in the drinks promote obesity, diabetes, and other health problems.

Read more at the WSJ.