Florida Bottling Label Claims Attract FDA Attention

MIAMIFlorida Bottling found itself in FDAs sights in early July, as the agency issued a warning letter to the company relating to the marketing of certain juice beverages under the Lakewood Juices brand. Following an inspection of the facility, FDAs Florida District Director notified the company that its Fresh Pressed Blueberry Blend, Pure Aloe, Pure Pomegranate and Tart Cherry juice products are in violation of several federal regulations.

Topping the list of concerns was the marketing of the products using therapeutic and health claims. The use of claims relating to the reduction of infections, ulcer healing and arthritis position the products as new drugs; as they have not been approved for such use, they are unapproved and misbranded products. Further, certain health claims such as heart healthy" and reduction of risk factors related to cancer, heart disease, stroke and Alzheimers" used on the labels are unauthorized by FDA.

Another area of claims concern was unauthorized nutrient content claims. While nutrient content claims using the terms high," rich in," or antioxidant" may be used on product labels, Florida Bottling failed to deliver required percentages of nutrients and/or cite the nutrients with antioxidant activity.

Additional concerns included misbranding related to serving size; problems with statement of identity relating to diluted multiple-juice blends; and concerns with the Nutrition Facts panel statements on certain nutrients including fat, sodium, protein and fiber.