Pom Not So Wonderful?

It's an ironic twist that Pom Wonderful, which once sued a competitor for misrepresenting its product, is now the target of an FTC administrative complaint for...you guessed it -- making false claims about its products. Sad, but true.

The Federal Trade Commission has issued an administrative complaint charging the makers of POM Wonderful 100% Pomegranate Juice and POMx supplements with making false and unsubstantiated claims that their products will prevent or treat heart disease, prostate cancer, and erectile dysfunction.

Vita Breath - Get the Lead Out!

I'm not sure what lead will do for your breath, but it is certainly not good for your health. Today, the FDA issued a warning to consumers and healthcare professionals not to consume Vita Breath, a dietary supplement manufactured by American Herbal Lab because the product may contain hazardous levels of lead. Tests conducted by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene found 1,100 parts per million of lead, which is more than 10,000 times higher than FDA's maximum recommended level for lead in candy. This also violates California's more stringent labeling guidelines.

Walgreens Not Immune From False Advertising Claims

No one is immune from paying a price for deceptive advertising. Someone always pays: either the consumer who is fooled, or the company that made the product, or even the seller, if they get caught.

The FTC announced this week that it had settled a complaint against Walgreens:

National pharmacy chain Walgreens has agreed to pay nearly $6 million to settle FTC charges that the company deceptively advertised “Wal-Born” – a line of dietary supplements similar to the Airborne cold-and-flu treatment – using the same kind of baseless claims that the supplements could prevent colds, fight germs, and boost the immune system.

Nice to have you back, FTC!

The Federal Trade Commission announced yesterday it is distributing $3 million in refunds to consumers who purchased infrared saunas and nutrition supplements from Roex, Inc. based on false advertising claims about the benefits of using the products. Imagine that?! An FTC that actually gets money back for consumers who are the victims of bogus claims in an infomercial! This is a very good thing.