PepsiCo Sued By New York for Plastic Pollution, Endangerment of Public Health

PepsiCo Inc. is facing a new lawsuit after New York Attorney General Letitia James revealed on Wednesday, Nov. 15, that the local office lodged a complaint against the food and beverage manufacturing giant. The company has been accused of polluting the environment and putting the health of the public in danger.

According to Time, New York sued PepsiCo after its single-use plastics were spotted throughout the Buffalo River. It was said that through the legal proceedings, the Supreme Court is aiming to order the company and its snack subsidiaries, Frito-Lay Inc. and Frito-Lay North America Inc., to clean up the trash.

Discovery of Plastic Wastes of PepsiCo-branded Products

The state found single-use plastic packaging around the Buffalo River. Food wrappers and plastic bottles are everywhere along the shores and watersheds. Their presence in this area can contaminate the drinking water supply for the Buffalo City community.

“No company is too big to ensure that their products do not damage our environment and public health,” Attorney General Letitia James said in a statement. “All New Yorkers have a basic right to clean water, yet PepsiCo’s irresponsible packaging and marketing endanger Buffalo’s water supply, environment, and public health.”

The New York AG added that “No one should have to worry about plastics in their drinking water, plastic garbage littering their scenic riverfront, or plastic pollution harming wildlife. I will never hesitate to take on major corporations that put the health and safety of everyday New Yorkers and our planet at risk.”

Details About the Lawsuit

The complaint against PepsiCo was filed in state court in upstate Erie County. James stressed that the company is contributing to a public nuisance due to its huge share of plastic waste where more than 17% of the trash could be easily traced to specific brands, as per Reuters.

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