Judge dismisses antioxidant claims against Honest Tea
A California federal court dismissed a majority of claims in a proposed class action accusing Honest Tea of dishonesty in marketing its Honey Green Tea. The lawsuit alleges that Honey Green Tea iced tea contains a quarter less antioxidants than claimed on the label and is thereby misleading consumers. A US District Judge now found that the plaintiff's state law claims are preempted by the Federal Food Drug and Cosmetic Act. However, the court upheld claims based on the company's use of "honest", citing that such claims are complex and the usage of the word "honest" in the company's branding campaign could be misleading to consumers.