BEER lovers across America have accused Anheuser-Busch of watering down Budweiser, Michelob and other brands in class-action court cases seeking millions in damages.

The lawsuits, filed in Pennsylvania, California and other states, claim consumers have been cheated out of the alcohol content stated on labels.

Budweiser and Michelob boast of being 5% alcohol, while some "light" versions are said to be just over 4%.

The lawsuits are based on information from former employees at the company's 13 US breweries, some in top-level plant positions, according to lead lawyer Josh Boxer of San Rafael, California.

"Our information comes from former employees at Anheuser-Busch who have informed us that as a matter of corporate practice, all of their products mentioned [in the lawsuit] are watered down," Mr Boxer said. "It's a simple cost-saving measure, and it's very significant."

Anheuser-Busch InBev said the claims were groundless .