Tuesday, September 7, 2010

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The government is giving the blues to two beverage makers for their claims about drinks flavored with green-tea.

The Food and Drug Administration has issued warning letters about the labeling of Canada Dry Sparkling Green Tea Ginger Ale. The agency issued a similar letter last month to Unilever over website and product labeling for its Lipton Green Tea.

The FDA has told Canada Dry maker Dr. Pepper Snapple Group that that Canada Dry does not meet federal requirements to carry the claim that the drink is "enhanced with 200 miligrams of antioxidants from green tea and vitamin C."

Officials also take issue with Unilever's assertion that mentions four studies that showed a cholesterol-lowering effect with tea.

The two companies have 15 days to respond and to outline there response.

Nutrient-enriched beverages have grown into a multibillion dollar market.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)