Coca-Cola Faces Consumer Class Action Lawsuit Over Alleged PFAS Contamination in Simply Tropical Juice.

A recent consumer class action lawsuit has been filed against Coca-Cola Company, accusing the company of falsely marketing its "Simply Tropical Juice" as all-natural while failing to disclose the presence of high levels of PFAS (per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances). PFAS are known to be harmful chemicals associated with various health problems.

PFAS, commonly referred to as "forever chemicals," are synthetic substances used in numerous products due to their resistance to deterioration from water, oil, and other substances. However, once released into the environment or the human body, PFAS are difficult to break down and tend to accumulate over time, potentially causing serious internal health issues. These chemicals have been linked to increased cancer risks, liver damage, fertility issues, hormone imbalances, and other health concerns.

The issue of PFAS has already sparked a major mass tort in the United States, including a class action lawsuit involving thousands of firefighters exposed to PFAS in AFFF firefighting foam, as well as claims by municipalities regarding PFAS contamination in their drinking water systems.

In December 2022, a new consumer class action lawsuit was filed against Coca-Cola and its subsidiary, The Simply Orange Juice Company, in the Southern District of New York. The lawsuit alleges that Simply Tropical Juice, labeled and marketed as "All Natural" with "all-natural ingredients," actually contains PFAS, synthetic chemicals that are not natural. Lab testing conducted by the plaintiff confirmed the presence of PFAS in Simply Tropical Juice.

The lawsuit highlights the health risks associated with PFAS and argues that the presence of these chemicals contradicts the marketing claims of Simply Tropical Juice as an all-natural product. The complaint alleges that Coca-Cola's marketing practices violate various consumer protection laws.

While the specific levels of PFAS found in the juice are not mentioned in the complaint, it states that third-party laboratory testing revealed the presence of "material levels" of PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) and PFOS (perfluorooctanesulfonic acid) in excess of the EPA's recommended levels for drinking water. These particular types of PFAS are well-studied and have been associated with adverse effects on the cardiovascular system, growth and development, and the immune system.

The consumer class action lawsuit seeks to represent all individuals who purchased Simply Tropical Juice, asserting that unsuspecting consumers, including many children, have been exposed to toxic synthetic chemicals in contradiction to Coca-Cola's representations.

Coca-Cola now faces legal action as consumers seek accountability for the alleged false and misleading marketing of Simply Tropical Juice.