Airborne's health claims stopped cold
State attorneys in 33 states including California recently announced a landmark $7-million settlement with Airborne Inc. that forces the company to stop advertisements that "dramatically misrepresented" its dietary supplements as cold remedies.
"Airborne dramatically misrepresented its products as cold remedies without any scientific evidence to back up its claims," said California Attorney General Edmund G. Brown Jr. "Under this agreement, the company will stop advertisements that suggest that its products are a cure for the common cold."
Airborne began selling its products as a cold remedy on the Internet around July 2000 and on television in 2004. In its ads, Airborne featured people suffering from cold and flu symptoms and made unsupported statements suggesting its products were a cure for the common cold.
The company also requested that retailers sell Airborne products in the cold/cough aisle.
To substantiate the claims, Airborne relied upon studies that claimed the major ingredients in their products—vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium and zinc—prevent colds. However, subsequent studies found that these ingredients do not have any discernable effect in preventing colds. Despite the information, Airborne continued to market its products as cold remedies.
Investigators also raised concerns about the levels of vitamin A in Airborne products. In older formulations, Airborne contained 5,000 International Units of vitamin A. If the product were taken as instructed, consumers would ingest 15,000 units of vitamin A daily.
This amount of vitamin A poses potential health risks to vulnerable populations, including children and pregnant women. During the negotiation process, Airborne reformulated its product to contain only 2,000 units of vitamin A.
Under the agreement, Airborne agreed:
•Not to make any claim concerning the health benefit, performance, efficacy or safety of its dietary supplements.
•Not to make any claims that imply that Airborne can diagnose, prevent, treat or cure colds, coughs, the flu, an upper respiratory infection or allergies.
•Not to require or otherwise influence where a retailer places Airborne products, such as in the cold and cough aisle.
•Not to market any product that contains directions for use that would, if followed, result in an individual ingesting 15,000 units of vitamin A per day.
•Pay a total of $7 million to 33 states. California will receive $460,000.
The settlement covers all Airborne products. |
