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Little Google ad words, big problems

Should there be a language standard in Google ads for supplements? Drug marketers may adopt rules given the close scrutiny that the FDA is giving search-generated ads for pharmaceuticals. It may also be time for makers and marketers to set rules what is allowed.

FTC and bloggers: media guide to new rules

The Web has erupted with news, opinion and practical guidance on the new FTC rules that apply to disclosures on blogger freebies. As a public service, NutriSupLaw offers a sampling of the best of initial analysis.

Sending vitamin samples to bloggers? Beware new FTC rules on endorsements

If your marketing plan includes raising awareness through bloggers, read the latest FTC announcement on disclosure of freebies. The agency says that bloggers who review products given to them for free should disclose that fact in some circumstances. Failure to do so will not affect thebloggers, but could trigger FTC action against marketers for what the agency considers deceptive practices.

To friend or not to friend? That is the FDA question

How closely can nutritional supplement companies connect with the fast-moving world of social media? The FDA will address these questions at a hearing Nov. 12-13 in Washington. The agency is soliciting comments in the Federal Register.

FTC lessons: You can do bad (advertising) all by yourself

The Federal Trade Commission provides advertising lessons in its proposed settlement with CVS to refund nearly $2.8 million to buyers of the retailer’s Air Shield dietary supplement. The drug store chain made cold-prevention claims for the product that were similar to those for competing products, Airborne and Germ Defense. Those product claims also ran afoul of the FTC and cost their companies.

Resveratrol marketer on TV again, but not in a good way

This time, the news report is real. We earlier identified News 13 and News 29 as being faux-TV news Web sites that touted the health benefits of resveratrol and acai. Now, CBS News — the real network — is reporting on what appears to be the same Hollywood-based company, FWM Laboratories, in a national broadcast and an accompanying Web story headlined, “Buyer Beware: Web Supplement Scams.”