One of the most vocal consumer advocacy groups in the nation has initiated a lawsuit against the Coca-Cola Co. (Coke) due to its purportedly ‘deceptive’ claims that its recently acquired line of bottled waters, Vitaminwater, promotes better health.  The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) says that the sugar-laden beverage instead promotes diabetes, obesity, and related health complications.

Coke acquired the Vitaminwater line in 2007, paying $4.1 billion for it, more than the beverage giant has paid for any other acquisition in company history.  It describes the line as a great way to complement the current “less-than-perfect diet” consumed by most Americans.  The company says the vitamin-infused water supplies some essential vitamins and much-needed hydration.

Voicing a differing opinion, CSPI says Coke’s claims that drinking the beverage boosts the immune system and reduces risk of chronic disease is deceptive.  The advocacy group cites the 75 calories each 12-ounce bottle contains as evidence of empty calories that are counter-productive to a healthy diet.  Joining CSPI in its California-based lawsuit against Coca-Cola are Reese Richman LLP and Whatley Drake & Kallas LLC.

Diana Garza Ciarlante, speaking on behalf of Coca-Cola, says the lawsuit is “ridiculous.”