Note: In December 2022, a class-action lawsuit unconnected to the case outlined below was filed against The Coca-Cola Company alleging the company falsely markets Simply Tropical juice as “All Natural.” The lawsuit claims the product contains synthetic chemicals (per- and polyfluoralkyl substances, aka PFAS) that are harmful to people and the environment.

2018: All of the lawsuits in the multidistrict litigation were voluntarily dismissed When a complaint is dismissed with prejudice, it cannot be refiled., the terms of which were not disclosed.

July 2014: The lawsuit was transferred from state court to federal court. (Phelps et al v. The Coca-Cola Company and Does 1-100, Case No. 14-cv-5198, C.D. Cal.). Later in July, this case was transferred and consolidated with similar cases in multidistrict litigation. Click here to read the Master Consolidated Complaint. (Case No. 14-cv-645, W.D. Mo.; MDL 2361)

June 2014: A class-action lawsuit was filed alleging that, among other things, the Coca-Cola Co. misleadingly labels Simply Orange juices as containing “100% Pure Squeezed” orange juice when the juices are actually manufactured using an unnatural process and artificial flavoring. (Phelps et al v. The Coca-Cola Co., et al, Case No. BC547592, Superior Court of the State of California, County of Los Angeles).

For more information about other class-action lawsuits against The Coca-Cola Co. and TINA.org’s coverage of the company, click here.

For more information about other class-action lawsuits regarding the marketing of orange juice and TINA.org’s coverage of the issue, click here.

 


Class-Action Tracker

Simply Tropical Juices

Class Action

Simply Tropical Juices

Allegations: Falsely marketing juices as “All Natural” when they contain synthetic chemicals that are harmful to people and the environment

Powerade

Class Action

Powerade

Allegations: Misleadingly marketing that products contain “50% more electrolytes* vs the leading sports drink”

Minute Maid Juice Boxes

Class Action

Minute Maid Juice Boxes

Allegations: Misleadingly marketing juices as healthy when scientific evidence shows consuming fruit juices increases the risk of diseases

Minute Maid Apple Juice

Class Action

Minute Maid Apple Juice

Allegations: Marketing products using the phrase “with vitamin C” on the front label without adequately disclosing that they contain a chemically modified form of vitamin C that acts as a…

Fairlife Milk

Class Action

Fairlife Milk

Allegations: Misleadingly marketing that milk comes from cows that are treated humanely


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