Nestle's advertisements asserted that the drink could "prevent illness, increase immunity, and reduce school absences." These health claims were made on the basis that the product contained probiotic bacteria in the straw, as reported in the New York Times. Probiotic bacteria are live microorganisms commonly found in foods like yogurt. Some say that probiotics aid in digestion and provide other health benefits. The FTC, however, said that scientific evidence did not back up Nestle's claims.
This action by the FTC, "was the second in two months aimed at deceptive advertising by a major food manufacturer for products meant for children." A staff lawyer for the FTC, Karen Mandel, stated that food companies are marketing more "functional foods," a term which "refers to foods with added nutrients that companies claim bring health benefits to people who eat or drink them."
Recently, the FTC stopped Kellogg's claim that Rice Krispies cereal and added nutrients "helped bolster children's immunity to illness." For the New York Times story on Kellogg's claim, click here.
To read the Associated Press story, click here.
To read the New York Times story, click here.
Posted: 07/15/2010
