Making labels that accurately reflect the contents of a certain package is an important responsibility that can land producers in trouble if they are not careful. A particularly contentious type of labeling has appeared as more companies seek to make sure their products appear “green,” “organic” and “natural.” Last year saw the progress of a 2010 lawsuit against Arizona Beverages, (makers of the popular iced teas and other similar drinks) made by concerned Californians who believed the “all natural” tea labels they used was false advertising. Bevnet reported recently that the judge on the case has dismissed it, ruling in the company’s favor.
The main reasons given for this decision were the focus on the citric acid and high fructose corn syrup ingredients, with the plaintiffs asserting that such additives did not qualify as “all natural.” But, according to Judge Richard Seeborg, this was not enough cause to advance the suit, nor was the use of that term deemed to be specifically confusing to consumers, despite claims to the contrary. Arizona was able to defend its practices by arguing that high fructose corn syrup could not be classified as an artificial ingredient, producing testimony to support their case, which the plaintiffs were not able to do.
Consumer wariness when it comes to the ingredients in mainstream food and beverages has become a recurring trope, with many keen to products that might falsely be attempting to appear “organic.” While it is impossible to foresee the actions of every potential claimant threatening a lawsuit, it could best suit companies to create labels that specifically describe the ingredients inside their products by using certifications and precise language, avoiding blanket terms. Details like this could make the difference, and the use of a Primera lx900 color label printer might enable businesses to save face in this way.