Arizona Iced Tea Deceptively Labeled Preservative-Free, Suit Says

Arizona Beverages USA LLC and related companies fool consumers by touting numerous iced tea as having “no preservatives,” a new suit alleges.

More than a dozen flavors, including Iced Tea with Lemon Flavor and Arnold Palmer Lite--Half Iced Tea, Half Lemonade, contain citric acid, a common preservative added to foods and beverages to prevent the growth of bacteria, the suit says.

Arizona Beverages takes advantage of consumers’ willingness to pay a premium for products that don’t have preservatives, according to the suit.

Citric acid increases acidity, making it harder for bacteria and mold to survive and reproduce, the suit says. ...