Arizona Iced Tea controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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2022
Arizona Beverages sued over Arnold Palmer Lite labeling
Lawsuit filed
Kenneth Crawford filed a complaint against Arizona Beverages USA LLC, alleging that Arnold Palmer Lite is misleadingly labeled because of its sugar content and a graphic describing it as an American product. The complaint seeks injunctive relief and monetary damages; these are allegations, not findings.
Source excerpt
The complaint also alleges that the “An American Company—Family Owned and Operated” graphic on the Arnold Palmer Lite beverage is a misrepresentation because the product is a Product of Canada.
The complaint briefly explains that as more and more consumers are becoming health conscious, companies are following this trend. And that the use of the term “Lite” is misleading health-conscious consumers.
2021
Kraft Heinz recalls powdered beverage products over possible metal or glass contamination
Recall announced
The Kraft Heinz Company voluntarily recalled powdered beverage products sold under the Country Time Lemonade, Tang, Arizona Tea, and Kool-Aid brands in the US because they may contain very small pieces of metal or glass introduced during production. The affected products have “Best When Used By” dates between May 10, 2023, and November 1, 2023.
Company response
Remediation — The Kraft Heinz Company
Kraft Heinz said it is actively working with retail partners and distributors to remove said products from circulation
Refund or compensation — Kraft Heinz
Consumers can also contact Kraft Heinz to receive reimbursement.
Source excerpt
The powdered beverage products involved are those with “Best When Used By” dates between May 10, 2023, and November 1, 2023.
voluntarily recalled Country Time Lemonade, Tang, Arizona Tea, and Kool-Aid powdered beverage products in the US due to the potential presence of very small pieces of metal or glass that may have been introduced during production.
2020
Consumer sues Arizona Tea over alleged rodent in drink
Lawsuit filed
A Vermont man sued Arizona Tea, alleging that he found a rodent tail in a can of tea and suffered physical and other trauma after drinking from it. The source describes the allegations in the lawsuit; it does not report a court determination.
Source excerpt
A man from Vermont bought a 99¢ can of Arizona Tea and took a big drink when he found something much worse than he bargained for, and now he's suing (justifiably so).
“After feeling the rodent’s tail in his mouth and seeing what it was, plaintiff Rudy Gallo became sick and began vomiting,” says the lawsuit filed recently in federal court in Vermont.
2010
Ferolito–Vultaggio ownership litigation
Co-founder John Ferolito pursued litigation concerning the ownership, valuation, and future of the AriZona business. The dispute lasted several years and ultimately ended with Vultaggio obtaining full control of the company.
1992
Crazy Horse malt liquor naming dispute
A malt-liquor product using the name Crazy Horse prompted legal action by representatives and descendants of Tasunke Witko, the revered Lakota leader known as Crazy Horse. The plaintiffs argued that using his name to market alcohol was offensive and violated publicity and related rights.
1980
Midnight Dragon advertising controversy
Before the AriZona tea business, the founders marketed Midnight Dragon malt liquor with sexually suggestive and provocative advertising. The campaign attracted public criticism and became part of the controversial history of the partners’ earlier alcohol business.