A nonprofit group that promotes health justice is suing Coca-Cola and the American Beverage Association for allegedly deceiving consumers about the health effects of sugary beverages.

The lawsuit by the Praxis Project claims Coca-Cola and ABA engaged in misinformation campaigns "to thwart and delay efforts of government entities to regulate sugar-sweetened beverages through warning labels, taxes and other measures designed to make consumers aware of the potential for harm."

The groups filed the lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Northern California, citing a California law prohibiting businesses and organizations from engaging in false and misleading advertising. Among their demands is a court order to stop to any "unfair and deceptive promotion" of sweetened beverages by both Coca-Cola and ABA. The company is a member of the association.

"We are tired of trying to counter the deep pocket advertising that misleads our communities regarding the dangers of regularly consuming sugary drinks," Praxis Project Executive Director Xavier Morales said in a statement. "The price our community pays through decreased health, increased diabetes and amputations is too high."

The lawsuit was filed on behalf of the Praxis Project by the Center for Science in the Public Interest and the Public Health Advocacy Institute, both consumer advocacy groups.

ABA and Coca-Cola had not responded to the lawsuit as of Wednesday morning. http://bit.ly/2hRKtnQ

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