Consumer Cause, Inc. v. Arkopharma, Inc.
Opinion
Opinion
Kitching, J.
Introduction
The Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986 (Health & Saf. Code, § 25249.5 et seq., known as Proposition 65) requires a product containing “ethyl alcohol in alcoholic beverages” to bear a warning that the product contains a chemical “known to the state to cause reproductive toxicity.” Defendants manufacture and sell liquid products containing herbal, botanical, floral, and similar extracts. These products also contain ethyl alcohol. Because defendants’ products are not fit for beverage purposes, they are not “alcoholic beverages” and do not require the Proposition 65 consumer warning. Thus the trial court correctly sustained a demurrer without leave to amend, and we affirm the judgment entered in favor of defendants.
Procedural History
Plaintiff Consumer Cause, Inc. (Consumer Cause) filed a complaint naming as defendants Arkopharma, Inc.; Herb Pharm; Oakmont Investment Company, Inc.; Phyto Technologies, Inc.; Doctor Phyto; New Chapter, Inc.; Advanced Aromatherapy & Herbal Medicine Co.; Action Labs, Inc.; Nature’s Way Products, Inc.; Advanced Nutrition, Inc.; Essential Organics; Nelson Bach USA Ltd.; Twin Laboratories, Inc.; Flower Essence…