How a TINA.org Reader Tip Led to a Record Penalty for False Made in USA Claims
FTC says civil penalty against Williams-Sonoma is “the largest ever in a Made in USA case.”
February 2017: A state court judge granted final approval of this settlement.
November 2016: A state judge preliminarily approved a settlement of a false advertising class-action lawsuit against BetterBody Food & Nutrition. The complaint alleges that BetterBody deceptively markets its Extra Virgin Coconut Oil and Naturally Refined Coconut Oil as healthy in violation of California law. According to the settlement terms, class members with proof of purchase will receive a full refund for the products they purchased. Class members without proof of purchase will receive a refund of up to $40 but will be composed of 40% cash and 60% gift cards (or 100% gift cards, if they prefer). In addition, the company agreed to remove certain statements from the labels and advertising for its Extra Virgin Coconut Oil and Naturally Refined Coconut Oil (e.g., “A Healthy Alternative to Butter & Cooking Oil” and “One of the healthiest oils in the world”). A final fairness hearing is scheduled for February 17, 2017. (Cumming et al v. BetterBody Food & Nutrition, LLC, Case No. 37-2016-00019510, San Diego Superior Court)
For more information about other class-action lawsuits regarding coconut oil and TINA.org’s coverage of the product, click here.
FTC says civil penalty against Williams-Sonoma is “the largest ever in a Made in USA case.”
The NBA superstar isn’t just cashing endorsement checks.
Lawsuit alleges environmental claims don’t stick.
Got milk? Apparently not.
Flag on the play.