By now we have all heard of this scary class action lawsuit that claims La Croix contains a dangerous chemical also used in cockroach insecticide. It sounds threatening until you realize there is also another chemical both contain: water. Just because a particular chemical, like water for example, is used in something dangerous like rat poison, insecticide or jet fuel doesn't mean it's bad.
Des Moines premiere Brian Taylor Carlson let us know that the threatening chemicals cited in the lawsuit against La Croix, seem to be naturally occurring. We're not chemists, but it seems as though the three chemicals listed aren't nearly as harmful as we have been led to believe by this class action lawsuit and numerous news articles. Popular Science has this to say:
The truth is, this [La Croix] lawsuit seems to be a stretch, working on the ambiguous nature of how the FDA distinguishes natural chemicals from synthetic ones, and a product of alarmist, chemophobic ideas about what we put in our foods. [...] the three chemicals listed—limonene, linalool, and linalool propionate (better known as linalyl propionate)—don’t exactly qualify as synthetic, and they’re also not nearly as dangerous to consumers as Beaumont Costales’ statement suggests.
Instead, what really might be going on here are two things. One is just a desperate attempt for someone to get money out of a successful company and two, perhaps we are all guilty of clicking links and not reading enough details before making a judgment call. (Also: is there a chance another beverage company is behind this?)
For now, take a deep breath and enjoy your sparkling beverage of choice. Just stay away from almond milk, it contains Urushiol which is in poison ivy! (See! Got ya!)