Lawsuits slam 'natural' claims from OJ to chips

Associated Press (May 31, 2012 2:58 AM)

By JESSICA GRESKO, Associated Press

Orange juice maker Tropicana markets its brand as fresh from the grove, but a series of lawsuits nationwide claim the company's juice is so heavily processed it shouldn't be called "natural."

In approximately 20 lawsuits, the first one filed in New Jersey, lawyers claim the company adds chemically engineered "flavor packs" to its juice, making it taste the same year-round. On Thursday, lawyers will come together in Washington to argue before a panel of judges about where the lawsuits should be heard as a group.

Tropicana declined to comment but said in a statement that it is committed to full compliance with labeling laws and to producing "great-tasting 100 percent orange juice."

The orange juice lawsuits are just the latest disputes over "all natural" claims.

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