The case refers to health-related claims on bottles of Coca-Cola’s Vitaminwater range.
Reuters reports that, in the Ackerman et al vs Coca-Cola Company and Energy Brands case, Judge John Gleeson should proceed despite Coca-Cola’s attempt to have the case dismissed on technical grounds.
“The potential for confusion is heightened by the presence of other statements in Vitaminwater’s labelling, such as the description of the product as a ‘vitamin enhanced water beverage’ and the phrases ‘vitamins+water = all you need’ and ‘vitamins+water = what’s in your hand’, which have the potential to reinforce a consumer’s mistaken belief that the product is comprised of only vitamins and water,” Gleeson said.
“The court’s opinion was not a decision on the merits, but simply a determination that the case can proceed beyond the initial pleadings stage,” said Scott Williamson, a Coca-Cola Company spokesman. “We believe plaintiff’s claims are without merit and will ultimately be rejected.”
Source: Reuters
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