Coca Cola Consumers Say Class Status Proper in Labeling Dispute

Coca-Cola Co. customers asked the Ninth Circuit to uphold class status in a suit alleging Coke’s labeling is misleading, saying they have standing to seek label changes because they would otherwise suffer future deception.

George Engurasoff and others allege Coke’s label says it’s free of artificial flavors and preservatives but fails to disclose that phosphoric acid is an artificial flavoring and preservative agent. Although the labels list phosphoric acid, they don’t disclose its function, plaintiffs say.

In February, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California certified classes of consumers in California, Illinois, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, ...