ERSP schools Smart Cookie on testimonials
This article was originally published in The Tan Sheet
Executive Summary
The maker of Smart Cookie meal-replacement products will modify the general performance claim and consumer testimonials in its advertising even though the Electronic Retailing Self-Regulation Program finds adequate support for the claim "lose up to 15 pounds." The National Advertising Review Council division said June 28 Smart For Life Weight Management Centers should add a "clear and conspicuous" disclosure to its "Eat Cookies. Lose Weight. It's that simple" claim so consumers know to eat a low-calorie dinner, too. The firm also should modify consumer testimonials to depict results consistent with those observed in company studies. According to ERSP's release, Boca Raton, Fla.-based Smart For Life said "in all of its future packaging and advertising" it will make the two recommended changes. ERSP's recommendations reflect the Federal Trade Commission's enforcement approach to consumer testimonials in ads. FTC in 2009 changed its guidelines on using testimonials and endorsements to include clear disclosure of typical results rather than a "results not typical" disclaimer (1"The Tan Sheet" Oct. 12, 2009)
You may also be interested in...
FTC Testimonial Guide Moves Past "Results Not Typical," Enters Blog Era
The Federal Trade Commission raised the bar on substantiation and disclosure of "typical results" in testimonials and endorsements in advertising, in a revised guide released Oct. 5
EU’s SCCS Finds Endocrine-Disrupting Evidence Inconclusive In UV Filter Reassessments
While endocrine-disrupting evidence was inconclusive, the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety recommends more conservative limits on use of homosalate, octocrylene and benzophenone-3 in cosmetic products compared with current requirements under the European Cosmetics Product Regulation.
US FDA Urges COVID-19 Transmission Risk Mitigation In Cell And Gene Therapy Manufacturing
The risk of inadvertently growing SARS-CoV-2 virus in cell and gene therapies and possibly infecting patients and workers should be assessed and mitigated, the agency advises.
Need a specific report? 1000+ reports available
Buy Reports
Register for our free email digests: