The FTC has announced the next step in its ongoing review of the “Green Guides.” According to the FTC’s most recent announcement, it is zeroing-in on “recyclable” claims and will be hosting a workshop titled “Talking Trash at the FTC: Recyclable Claims and the Green Guides.”
Continue Reading FTC is “Talking Trash” and Zeroing-in on “Recyclable” Claims
Marketing Claims
FTC Brings Action Against Pyrex Glass Manufacturer for “Made in USA” Products Imported From China
The FTC announced an enforcement action against Instant Brands LLC, manufacturer of Pyrex-brand products, for allegedly marketing certain glass measuring cups as “Made in USA” and “American as Apple Pie” while importing those products from China.
Continue Reading FTC Brings Action Against Pyrex Glass Manufacturer for “Made in USA” Products Imported From China

Pasta La Vista: NAD Recommends Goya Discontinue “Puerto Rico’s Favorite Pasta” Claim
The National Advertising Division (“NAD”) has recommended that Goya Foods, Inc. toss claims that its Excelsior brand pasta is “Puerto Rico’s Favorite Pasta,” following a challenge by Goya’s competitor, Riviana Foods, Inc. …
Continue Reading Pasta La Vista: NAD Recommends Goya Discontinue “Puerto Rico’s Favorite Pasta” Claim

Advertiser Presses Snooze on NAD: Claims Referred to FTC
On February 25, the National Advertising Division (“NAD”) referred Nectar Sleep’s “Limited Offer: $125 Off + 2 Free Pillows” claim to the FTC after the advertiser declined to participate in the NAD’s self-regulatory process.
Continue Reading Advertiser Presses Snooze on NAD: Claims Referred to FTC

Thinking of Purchasing 5-Star Reviews? Think Again!
On February 26, the FTC announced a settlement with a weight-loss pill company that is alleged to have purchased 5-star Amazon reviews from a third party. The settlement includes a judgment of $12.8 million (which will be suspended upon payment of $50,000 to the FTC and payment of outstanding taxes), and ongoing compliance requirements for 10 years.
Continue Reading Thinking of Purchasing 5-Star Reviews? Think Again!

NAD Finds Responsibility for “Made In USA” Does Not Extend to Third-Party Customer Reviews
In a challenge brought by Aquasana, Inc., the NAD determined that Advanced Purification Engineering Corp. (APEC), a manufacturer of water filtration systems, was not responsible for substantiating or correcting “Made in USA” claims made in customer reviews posted on third-party sites.
Continue Reading NAD Finds Responsibility for “Made In USA” Does Not Extend to Third-Party Customer Reviews

NAD Stops Spread of Confusion After Condiment Makers Lay it on Thick
The National Advertising Division of the Council of Better Business Bureaus (“NAD”) has settled competing challenges between Kraft Heinz, the maker of Heinz Real Mayonnaise, and Unilever, the maker of Hellmann’s REAL Ketchup.
Continue Reading NAD Stops Spread of Confusion After Condiment Makers Lay it on Thick

Ninth Circuit Spoils Putative Class Action Suit Alleging Consumer Confusion Over Almond Milk
In a recent unpublished ruling, the Ninth Circuit affirmed the dismissal of a putative class action lawsuit alleging that Blue Diamond Growers mislabeled its almond beverages by failing to identify products as “imitation milk.” …
Continue Reading Ninth Circuit Spoils Putative Class Action Suit Alleging Consumer Confusion Over Almond Milk

Anheuser-Busch Taps National Advertising Division to Scrutinize MillerCoors’ “Know Your Beer” Campaign Claims
MillerCoors launched a “Know Your Beer” campaign that included digital vignettes featuring beer customers who were asked to taste two unnamed beers (Miller Light vs. Bud Light), determine which beer had “more taste,” and select their choice. When the identities of the two beers were revealed, the vast majority of participating consumers expressed surprise at having chosen Miller Lite over Bud Light.
Continue Reading Anheuser-Busch Taps National Advertising Division to Scrutinize MillerCoors’ “Know Your Beer” Campaign Claims
Consumer Protection in Retail: Weekly Roundup
This past week, several consumer actions made headlines that affect the retail industry.
Continue Reading Consumer Protection in Retail: Weekly Roundup