Coca-Cola, ABA Accused of Tobacco-Like Deception in Lawsuit
- Federal court complaint alleges Coke downplayed sugar effects
- Sugary drinks ‘are scientifically linked to obesity, diabetes’
A skateboarder rides past Coca-Cola Co. signage seen on a delivery truck in Miami Beach, Florida.
Photographer: Scott McIntyre/BloombergThis article is for subscribers only.
Coca-Cola Co. was sued by activists who compare the beverage giant’s advertising tactics to the tobacco industry’s past efforts in minimizing the health effects of its products and targeting children to replenish the ranks of its customers.
The nonprofit Praxis Project seeks to stop Coke and the Washington-based American Beverage Association from deceptive advertising of sugary drinks, particularly to children, and for the disclosure of documents related to their impact on health. Studies have linked sugary drinks to obesity, Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, the group said.