Group Asks FDA to Rule on Lemon Juice Claims

WASHINGTONThe National Consumers League (NCL) has petitioned the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to take action against four companies that label their products as 100%" lemon juice, when, in fact, they actually contain 35% or less lemon juice.

The NCL tested four brands of lemon juiceNaturaLemon 100% Lemon Juice from concentrateNatural Strength," Lira 100% Lemon Juice from concentrate," Lemon Time Lemon Juice from concentrate," and Pampa Lemon Juice from concentrate"and found all were heavily diluted with water beyond what is necessary and appropriate to reconstitute the product."

According to the March 21, 2012, letter to FDA, The products tested omit requisite amounts of real lemon juice and substitute water, citric acid, and in some cases sugar. The cheating is concealed by labeling the products as 100% lemon juice or simply Lemon Juice from concentrate, and the producers make it appear that the products are of greater value than they really are."