n its labels and in its advertising, in-
cluding its web site, Vitaminwater is
classifi ed as a "nutrient enhanced water
beverage," by Glacéau, the Coca Cola sub-
sidiary that produces the popular drink.
This description and other parts of its
advertising resulted in class action lawsuits
in the United States and Canada, accusing
the company of deceptive marketing. At
least one of the U.S. lawsuits was settled out-
of-court last year by Coca Cola. In Canada
though, potential class action proceedings
in Quebec and British Columbia, were
not certifi ed.
With label-savvy
c onsumers increasingly
more health conscious,
the onus is on
companies to back up
their claims. What is
happening with food
product liability in
Canada?
BY SHANNON KARI
c
c
O
free
range
no
cholesterol
FOO
FABL
Taking stock o
be
si
ad
in
th
le
of of
th
in
no
ro
ter
GMO
Free
