Tropicana Faces "Natural" Lawsuit; Removes Brazilian Oranges

The marketing of Tropicana orange juice as "100% Pure and Natural" has Tropicana Products Inc. facing a federal lawsuit, according to the news group Reuters.

Angelena Lewis of Vacaville, California is seeking a class action lawsuit against the Pepsi-owned company, alleging that its orange juice undergoes heavy processing and the addition of aromas and flavors despite its natural claim. Lewis claims that consumers are further deceived by Tropicana's carton packaging, which includes an image of an orange with a straw stuck into it.

According to Reuters, Tropicana said it "remains committed to offering great-tasting 100 percent orange juice with no added sugars or preservatives. We take the faith that consumers place in our products seriously and are committed to full compliance with labeling laws and regulations."

In other Tropicana news, the company is reportedly transitioning to the manufacture of orange juice made solely with Florida oranges. The decision is a response to consumer concern over the use Brazilian oranges. FDA recently announced that it is screening all Brazilian orange shipments for trace amounts of carbendazim-a fungicide used to fight mold-which is outlawed in U.S. citrus farming.