Coca-Cola’s Agreement to Settle Vitaminwater Lawsuit Approved by District Court

11 Apr 2016 --- Coca-Cola’s agreement to change the labels on its Vitaminwater beverage to resolve a long-standing lawsuit has been rubberstamped by a district court in New York.

The approval by the court brings an end to a six-year legal dispute which has led to Coca-Cola making a series of concessions but not paying out any damages to consumers over the veracity of its claims.

The agreement, first agreed in October last year, means that Coca-Cola can no longer make a number of claims about the health credentials of its “enhanced water”.

Coca-Cola will no longer make a number of claims, including using the phrase “vitamins +water= all you need” and that drinking Vitaminwater may improve metabolic or immune functions or reduce the risk of eye disease.

The drinks giant will also add the words “with sweeteners” in two places on Vitaminwater bottles, and display calorie counts more prominently.

The legal action was taken by The Center for Science in the Public Interest and two law firms who sued Coca-Cola in 2009.

Coca-Cola said in October 2015 that it will complete the changes to its packaging within two years.

Food and drinks companies are often the target of lawsuits questioning the veracity of their health claims.

Coca-Cola bought Glaceau, the maker of Vitaminwater, for $4.2 billion in 2007.