UPDATE: Wisynco defends decision to pursue legal action over CranWata

Livern Barrett, Senior Gleaner Writer

Wisynco Group Limited is defending its decision to take legal action against the Heart Foundation of Jamaica (HFJ).

“Wisynco has a duty to itself and its shareholders to protect its long standing, good reputation from any person or entity whose actions, namely publishing incorrect and misleading information, may cause it damage,” a company spokesperson said in a statement a short while ago.

The local conglomerate said as a longstanding supporter of the HFJ, it welcomes any campaign that seeks to accurately educate the public about certain associated health risks with corresponding medical data.

“While Wisynco is mindful and respectful of HFJ’s mandate, it must ensure that its brands are protected,” the company spokesperson said.

The Gleaner first reported yesterday that lawyers for Wisynco has gone to court to seek to block the HFJ from repeating information it posted on social media as part of a public education campaign aimed at warning Jamaicans about the dangers of excessive sugar intake.

READ: 'Are You Drinking Yourself Sick?...' Why Wisynco Wants Court To Halt Ad Campaign

The information was posted on Instagram last month as part of a campaign dubbed 'Are You Drinking Yourself Sick'. The campaign features a number of commercials that have been airing on local television and various social media platforms since late last year.

But Winsyco has charged, in court documents obtained by The Gleaner, that the information posted on Instagram conveyed false and defamatory information about its CranWata beverage.

The application for an injunction is to be heard in the Supreme Court next week.

It was filed with the Supreme Court last Friday and documents served on the HFJ shortly after.

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