Dannon reached a $21 million settlement with the FTC over claims it improperly advertised the health benefits of Activia yogurt.
It looks like the yogurt, Activia, is causing some irregularities for Dannon. The yogurt, known for its endorsement by actress Jamie Lee Curtis, apparently isn’t quite as active as it claims.
Attorneys general from 39 states said they reached a $21 million settlement Wednesday with the yogurt maker over its marketing claims.
This was the largest multi-state settlement of its kind. Attorneys general say they have no problem with the yogurt, just what it claims to do.
“Dannon had claimed Activia has so-called ‘pro-biotics’ that improve health and digestion. But the charges cited 2006 report that says there’s no conclusive evidence the yogurt works.”
Dr. Manny Alvarez tells FoxBusiness though the yogurt might be good for you, Dannon was more concerned with its own bottom line than its customers’ tummy troubles.
“Probiotics, although they’re very good for your health, you don’t guarantee something like that. I hate when food companies get into the medical business.”
Dannon says it fully cooperated with investigators, and in a statement says it’s - quote - “pleased to have the inquiries concluded.” An NYU nutrition professor tells USA Today the lawsuit is monumental for consumers. Food makers will finally have to put their money where their mouth is.
"It's a shot across the bow that food marketers are going to have to stop using unsubstantiated health claims as marketing tools.”
The attorneys also went after DanActive, a yogurt drink claiming to boost immunity. Activia and DanActive will stay on the shelves. No word from Jamie Lee Curtis, though.
Attorneys general from 39 states said they reached a $21 million settlement Wednesday with the yogurt maker over its marketing claims.
This was the largest multi-state settlement of its kind. Attorneys general say they have no problem with the yogurt, just what it claims to do.
“Dannon had claimed Activia has so-called ‘pro-biotics’ that improve health and digestion. But the charges cited 2006 report that says there’s no conclusive evidence the yogurt works.”
Dr. Manny Alvarez tells FoxBusiness though the yogurt might be good for you, Dannon was more concerned with its own bottom line than its customers’ tummy troubles.
“Probiotics, although they’re very good for your health, you don’t guarantee something like that. I hate when food companies get into the medical business.”
Dannon says it fully cooperated with investigators, and in a statement says it’s - quote - “pleased to have the inquiries concluded.” An NYU nutrition professor tells USA Today the lawsuit is monumental for consumers. Food makers will finally have to put their money where their mouth is.
"It's a shot across the bow that food marketers are going to have to stop using unsubstantiated health claims as marketing tools.”
The attorneys also went after DanActive, a yogurt drink claiming to boost immunity. Activia and DanActive will stay on the shelves. No word from Jamie Lee Curtis, though.
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