Note: As of July 2024, this case has been dismissed by the presiding U.S. District Judge Nelson Roman. Judge Roman dismissed the complaint for lack of standing because the plaintiff did not test the actual product he bought. The judge did however give the plaintiff the ability to amend the complaint and correct the standing issues.
A class action lawsuit against Coca-Cola was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York on December 28, 2022, against The Coca-Cola Company, claiming that the major beverage producer’s Simply Orange juice brand contains toxic levels of per- and polyfluorinated substances, or PFAs.
PFA Dangers in Coca-Cola’s Simply Orange
Comprised of a class of about 12,000 chemicals, that are commonly known as “forever chemicals” because of their tendency to accumulate in the human body without breaking down, PFAs are found in a wide range of consumer products and have been linked to a number of health concerns including liver and kidney disease, autoimmune issues and cancer.
Coca-Cola Simply Orange PFA Lawsuit Summary
The plaintiff, Joseph Lurenz, alleges in his complaint that “in order to capitalize on (this) consumer demand, Simply Orange juice beverages are aggressively marketed to health-focused consumers with the products’ pervasive ‘all natural’ representations prominently displayed across the products’ packaging” despite containing synthetic chemicals that are, by definition, not natural.
Beyond “Natural”: Independent Testing Reveals PFA Contamination
PFOA/PFOS Exceeding EPA Limit: Crucial Evidence for Class Action Litigation
Mr. Lurenz further claims that the company’s false advertising would lead the average consumer “to believe that additional care has been taken to remove any incidental chemicals or impurities.” However, to the contrary, independent testing conducted by the Plaintiff revealed the company’s Simply Tropical juice to contain PFOA and PFOs at levels more than 100 times above the EPA’s recommended levels.
The complaint is seeking statutory and actual damages, civil penalties, and punitive damages as permitted by law and is pending before U.S. District Judge Nelson Stephen Roman.
Coca-Cola Simply Orange Class Action Lawsuit: Latest Developments
While the initial complaint in Lurenz v. The Coca-Cola Company concerning PFAS in Simply Tropical juice was dismissed in June 2024 due to standing issues, the plaintiff was granted leave to amend. A revised complaint was subsequently filed in July 2024, asserting widespread PFAS contamination across Simply Orange products based on new, extensive independent testing. In response, Coca-Cola and Simply Orange Juice filed another Motion to Dismiss in November 2024. This development underscores the ongoing and evolving nature of PFAS litigation, particularly in the consumer product sector.
As new evidence emerges and legal strategies adapt, the landscape for class action lawsuits targeting ‘forever chemicals’ continues to expand. Law firms pursuing or anticipating such complex litigation require robust and experienced support to manage the intricate details of class notification, claims processing, and fund distribution.
Verus: Your Partner for the Coca-Cola Simply Orange Class Action Lawsuit & Complex Litigation
Verus specializes in providing comprehensive class action settlement administration services. We understand the unique challenges of large-scale environmental and consumer protection cases, offering tailored solutions to ensure efficient, transparent, and successful outcomes for your clients. From pre-settlement consulting to final distribution, our team is equipped to handle every aspect of the administration process, allowing your firm to focus on the legal strategy.
Contact Verus to discuss how our expert class action settlement administration services can benefit your firm.
