Prop. 65 Suit Challenges 4-MEI in Ginger Beverage Products

According to a news source, the Center for Environmental Health has filed
a lawsuit under California’s Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act
(Prop. 65), alleging that Reed’s Ginger Products fails to warn consumers about
the caramel-coloring chemical 4-methylimidazole (4-MEI) purportedly present
in its soft drinks. Ctr. for Envtl. Health v. Reed’s, Inc., (Cal. Super. Ct.,
Alameda Cty., filing date unknown). In a June 26, 2014, 60-day notice, the
center claimed that the company had violated the law since January 2012,
stating, “No clear and reasonable warning is provided with these products
regarding the carcinogenic hazards associated with 4-MEI exposure.” Prop. 65,
a voter-approved law, requires warnings to consumers about exposures to
substances known to the state to cause cancer or reproductive hazards and
allows private individuals or organizations to enforce it. See Courthouse News
Service, September 11, 2014.

Issue 537