Ahold Delhaize USA and Food Lion Face Lawsuit Over Additive in Orange Soda

Ahold Delhaize USA and its Food Lion grocery chain are facing a class-action lawsuit filed by Shavonne Daniels in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina. The lawsuit claims that the company failed to adequately inform consumers about the potential health risks associated with consuming brominated vegetable oil (BVO), an additive found in Food Lion’s Omazing Orange Soda.

Daniels asserts that after consuming the soda, she will need to have her health monitored due to the effects of BVO, which is used to prevent citrus flavoring from separating in beverages. The lawsuit notes that the FDA revoked the regulation allowing BVO in food products after studies indicated potential health risks, including adverse effects on the thyroid gland, which can lead to conditions such as hypothyroidism, weight gain, and depression.

While Food Lion discloses the presence of BVO in its soda, the lawsuit argues that it fails to warn consumers about the risks associated with long-term consumption. The claims against Ahold Delhaize USA and Food Lion include unjust enrichment, negligence, lack of adequate warnings, fraudulent concealment, breach of warranties, and strict product liability.

A spokesperson for Ahold Delhaize USA stated that the company does not comment on pending litigation. The case underscores ongoing concerns regarding food additives and consumer safety, especially as several states have already banned BVO due to its potential health risks.