December 16, 2013 - 2:55 PM
SAN FRANCISCO - A federal judge has tossed out a lawsuit filed by Monster Beverage Corp. that sought to block the San Francisco city attorney's investigation into the company's marketing practices.
U.S. District Judge Virginia Phillips in Riverside ruled Monday that granting Monster's request would unfairly hinder a lawsuit San Francisco City Attorney Dennis Herrera filed in state court. That suit accuses the company of misbranding its highly caffeinated drinks and marketing them to children.
Monster filed its lawsuit after the city attorney demanded that the company reduce caffeine levels in its drinks and stop marketing to minors.
The Corona, Calif., company did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The energy drink industry, which includes Red Bull, 5-Hour Energy and PepsiCo's Amp, has come under increasing scrutiny over the past few years over possible health risks.
News from © The Associated Press, 2013