A nutrition advocacy group on Thursday sued the Coca-Cola Co., accusing the company of deceptive and unsubstantiated claims on its Vitaminwater beverages. The lawsuit, filed on Wednesday in U.S. District Court in the Northern District of California, comes just weeks after Coke received a warning from the U.S. health regulators about the way it markets a different product.

 

“Coke markets Vitaminwater as a healthful alternative to soda by labeling its several flavors with such health buzz words as 'defense,' 'rescue,' 'energy' and 'endurance,'” The Center for Science in the Public Interest said in a statement.

 

Coca Cola Co. also claims the special drinks reduce the risk of chronic disease and eye disease, promote healthy joints and support immune function.

A spokesman for the company responded to the accusations and called the suit “ridiculous.” “Glaceau Vitaminwater is clearly and properly labeled and shows the amount of vitamins and calories in the product,” said the spokesperson.

 

Coca-Cola bought Glacéau, makers of VitaminWater, in 2007 for $4.1bn. The beverage competes against similar products such as SoBe Lifewater from PepsiCo and Dr Pepper Snapple Group’s Enhanced Water.

 

Coke shares were down 13 cents at $42.49 in midday trading on the New York Stock Exchange.

The same nutrition advocacy group sued MillerCoors last year to stop the company from selling Sparks, an alcoholic energy drink.