Tag: alcohol
-
JAMA Commentaries Focus on Energy Drinks
The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) recently highlighted energy drinks in its December 19, 2012, online issue, where two commentaries discussed caffeine-related adverse events and the risks of mixing energy drinks with alcohol. Authored by Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center infectious disease specialist Kent Sepkowitz, the first viewpoint article notes that “the swift…
-
Court Refuses to Certify Class in Skinnygirl Margarita® “All Natural” Suit
Ruling that the named plaintiff’s claims are not typical of those of the putative class in a false-labeling suit brought against the companies that made and marketed Skinnygirl Margaritas®, a federal court in New York has denied his motion for class certification. Rapcinsky v. Skinnygirl Cocktails, L.L.C., No. 11-6546 (S.D.N.Y., decided January 9, 2013). The…
-
CDC Highlights Calories Consumed from Alcoholic Beverages
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released a study claiming that on any given day, adult consumers of alcoholic beverages imbibe approximately 16 percent of their total caloric intake from alcoholic beverages— “the same contribution to overall calories as the 16 [percent] from added sugars among U.S. children.” Samara Joy Nielsen, et…
-
MPs Vote to Review UK Beer Tax
U.K. members of Parliament (MPs) have reportedly agreed to revisit a beer duty escalator tax that raises the price of a pint each year by 2 percent plus the rate of inflation. According to media reports, Conservative MP Andrew Griffiths argued in the House of Commons that the current beer tax has cost the country…
-
Insurance Cos. Seek Declaration of No Duty to Defend Four Loko® Lawsuits
Two commercial liability insurance companies have filed a complaint against Phusion Projects Inc., the company that makes Four Loko®, an alcoholic beverage containing stimulants such as caffeine, guarana and taurine, seeking a declaration that “they do not owe a duty to defend or indemnify” the company in personal injury and wrongful death actions filed against…
-
Vintner Sues for Infringement of Naked Winery® Marks
Naked Wines LLC has filed an action against Nakedwines.com, Inc. and Groupon, Inc. alleging that they have infringed its “family of erotically-themed marks” including NAKED WINERY®, NAKED WINERY VIXEN®, NAKED WINERY NAUGHTY®, and NAKED WINERY DIVA®. Naked Wines LLC v. Nakedwines. com, Inc., No. 12-01717 (D. Or., filed September 21, 2012). According to the complaint, Oregon-based…
-
Federal Court Denies Four Loko Motion to Dismiss Putative Class Action
A federal court in New York has denied a motion to dismiss a consumer fraud action against the company that makes Four Loko®, a beverage allegedly containing high alcoholic and caffeine content and sold without disclosing “possible negative health effects.” Yourth v. Phusion Projects, LLC, No. 11-1261 (N.D.N.Y., decided September 27, 2012). The defendant contended…
-
Australian Medical Association Tackles Alcohol Marketing
The Australian Medical Association (AMA) has released a 60-page report in conjunction with its National Summit on Alcohol Marketing to Young People that accuses industry of targeting children with new media tactics as well as alcohol-flavored food and cosmetic products. Urging “more robust policy and stronger regulatory oversight,” the report aims to document current alcohol…