Claim Form Deadline: Ongoing
Estimated Payout: Varies
Overview of the Simply Orange Juice Class Action
The Coca-Cola Company and its subsidiary, The Simply Orange Juice Company, are facing a class action lawsuit alleging that their Simply Tropical juice drink contains per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), despite being marketed as an “all natural” product.
Filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, the lawsuit claims that the presence of PFAS contradicts the company’s marketing claims and may pose health risks to consumers.
PFAS, often called “forever chemicals,” are synthetic compounds known for their persistence in the environment and the human body. These chemicals have been linked to various health issues, including cancer, liver damage, decreased fertility, and increased risks of asthma and thyroid disease.
Marketing Claims vs. Reality
The Simply brand, owned by Coca-Cola, has established its reputation on offering “all-natural” beverages made with simple ingredients. The company’s marketing emphasizes the natural qualities of its products, using slogans like “made simply” and promoting “all-natural ingredients.” This approach has helped Simply become the top-selling chilled juice brand in the U.S., generating over $2 billion in annual retail sales.
The lawsuit alleges that Coca-Cola and Simply Orange Juice Company engaged in deceptive advertising by labeling their Simply Tropical juice drink as “All Natural” when it actually contains synthetic PFAS. Plaintiff Joseph Lurenz claims independent testing revealed PFAS in the product, which contradicts the company’s representations of using only natural ingredients.
Health Concerns
The lawsuit highlights concerns regarding PFAS in food and beverages, especially for children. The EPA has identified several health effects associated with PFAS exposure, such as:
- Reproductive issues
- Developmental delays in children
- Increased cancer risk
- Reduced immune system function
- Hormonal interference
- Elevated cholesterol levels and obesity risk
Given that fruit juices are commonly consumed by children, the presence of PFAS raises additional concerns, as children may be more vulnerable to the harmful effects of these chemicals.
Legal Allegations
The class action lawsuit claims several legal violations, including potential breaches of New York General Business Law, express warranty, fraud, “constructive” fraud, and unjust enrichment from consumers.
This lawsuit is part of a growing trend of PFAS-related class actions, as scrutiny increases regarding “natural” claims in food and beverage marketing. Companies like Coca-Cola are under pressure to ensure the accuracy of their product labeling and marketing claims.
Understanding PFAS
PFAS are synthetic chemicals developed in the 1940s, widely used for their water- and oil-repellent properties in various consumer products. Known as “forever chemicals,” they persist in the environment and the human body over time, leading to numerous health concerns, including reproductive problems, developmental delays, and increased cancer risks.
Filing a Claim
Currently, there is no claims process open for consumers in this case, as the lawsuit is still in its early stages and has not yet been certified as a class action. No settlement has been reached that would allow consumers to file claims.
If the lawsuit proceeds and results in a settlement or judgment in favor of the plaintiffs, a claims process may be established at that time for affected consumers to submit claims. This process can take several months or even years to unfold, so stay updated for future developments.