Infomercials are popular methods for selling nutritional supplements and other products. However, they must follow the same rules that govern other advertising. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has authority under the Federal Trade Commission Act to regulate unfair methods of competition and unfair or deceptive acts or practices in or affecting commerce. That includes the [...]

The three little guys on Rice Krispies boxes are in trouble for claiming that their cereal supports the immune systems of children. The Federal Trade Commission announced on June 3 that Kellogg Co. had  agreed to pull back on health claims for the puffy cereal. In a statement, commission chairman Jon Leibowitz said, “We expect [...]

2009 was an incredible year for the dietary supplement industry.  While the rest of American business floundered amidst the depths of a recession, the dietary supplement business thrived.  Americans concerned about maintaining their good health stocked up on supplements by the shopping cartful. In a year when initial public offerings and acquisitions were almost unheard [...]

The Feds are again looking at how companies market foods to kids. Concerned by reports on child obesity, the FTC in 2010 will take a look at what the food companies sell for kids and how those products are marketed. Makers of healthful foods would be wise to contribute to the testimony in advance of [...]

David Frum could have lowered his rhetorical blood pressure in his CNN.com guest commentary on the evils of dietary supplement marketing by reading the FTC regulations that go into effect on Tuesday. His column then would have begun: The party is over Dec. 1.

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.