In a complaint filed against Hint Inc. in California on January 17, plaintiff Lisa Kim Madrigal states “independent and reliable testing of sample Hint Flavored Water products reveals the material presence of propylene glycine…a synthetic substance [that is] chemically manufactured and highly processed.”
Propylene glycine (PG) is a synthetic substance approved by the FDA which is widely used as a solvent in “natural flavours.” Consumers wouldn’t expect to find this ingredient in an all-natural product.
While “all-natural” has not been clearly defined by law, “natural flavour” is defined by the FDA as “the essential oil, oleoresin, essence or extractive. Protein hydrolysate, distillate, or any product of roasting, heating, or enzymolysis, which contains the flavoring constituents derived from a spice, fruit or fruit juice, vegetable or vegetable juice, edible yeast, herb, bark, bud, root, leaf or similar plant material, meat, seafood, poultry, eggs, dairy products, or fermentation products thereof, whose significant function in food is flavoring rather than nutritional.”
Madrigal argues that Hint has violated California’s consumer protection laws and falsely advertised their products as all-natural when they contain synthetic ingredients.
The law states that synthetic solvents are not allowed in the production of certified organic products, however, they are permitted in natural flavours.
That being said, the FDA is currently investigating “natural” claims and the lawsuit could be put on hold while the court waits for FDA guidance before proceeding.
