Sherman Oaks News
7UP Maker Sued For False Product Branding
By Damian Kelly
Nov 17, 2012 - 7:53:04 PM

Cherry 7UP with Antioxidants. Photo courtesy of Soda Head

SHERMAN OAKS—On Thursday, November 8, The Centre for Science in the Public Interest filed a lawsuit against Dr. Pepper Snapple Group alleging the company misled consumers over the type of antioxidants in its 7UP drink products.

The lawsuit, which was filed on behalf of a resident from Sherman Oaks, claims various fruit images on the 7UP labels give the impression the antioxidants come from a fruit source.  But according to the plaintiffs, the only antioxidant in the product comes from added vitamin E.

According to the non-profit’s website, the products in question are the 7UP regular and diet Cherry Antioxidant, Mixed Berry Antioxidant and Pomegranate Antioxidant varieties.  7UP’s website promotes the cherry flavor with this catchphrase: “There’s never been a more delicious way to cherry pick your antioxidant!”

Dr. Pepper Snapple Group has criticized the lawsuit stating it is “another attempt by the food police at CSPI to mislead consumers about soft drinks.”  The group also added “7UP Cherry is properly labeled under all Food & Drug Administration regulations so that consumers can make an informed choice.”  The group also added a new version of 7UP Cherry will be on sale in February 2013 that will not contain antioxidants.

This is not the first time a soda company has gotten in legal trouble as the Coca-Cola Company was called out by the FDA over its Diet Coke Plus Drink in 2008.  Coca-Cola had branded one of its drinks “Diet Coke with Vitamins & Minerals.”  The FDA said it did not “consider it appropriate to fortify snack foods such as carbonated beverages.”