05.03.10
Facing charges it deceptively advertised its Wal-Born line of dietary supplements, which claimed to prevent colds, fight germs and boost the immune system, Walgreens has agreed to a $6 million settlement with FTC. In addition to the proposed Walgreens agreement, a federal court has approved a settlement in a separate case that will require a $565,000 payment by the two principal officers of Improvita Health Products Inc., the manufacturer of Walgreens’ Wal-Born and other supplements. The FTC suit against the corporate defendant, Improvita Health Products, Inc., remains in litigation.
Walgreens sold the supplements under its store name, and touted their similarity to supplements sold by Airborne Health, Inc., which settled FTC deceptive advertising charges in 2008. According to the FTC’s complaints, Walgreens advertised its supplements online in newspaper circulars nationwide and on packaging. Improvita manufactured store-brand versions of Airborne for various retailers, including Walgreens and Rite Aid, and it marketed its own brand of lozenges and tablets under the name Germ Defense. The FTC’s agreements with Walgreens and the Improvita officers come after the agency settled similar cases last year alleging that two other pharmacy chains, CVS and Rite Aid, deceptively advertised the same kinds of supplements sold in their stores.
Walgreens sold the supplements under its store name, and touted their similarity to supplements sold by Airborne Health, Inc., which settled FTC deceptive advertising charges in 2008. According to the FTC’s complaints, Walgreens advertised its supplements online in newspaper circulars nationwide and on packaging. Improvita manufactured store-brand versions of Airborne for various retailers, including Walgreens and Rite Aid, and it marketed its own brand of lozenges and tablets under the name Germ Defense. The FTC’s agreements with Walgreens and the Improvita officers come after the agency settled similar cases last year alleging that two other pharmacy chains, CVS and Rite Aid, deceptively advertised the same kinds of supplements sold in their stores.
