Baby-food maker Gerber is being accused by the government of claiming falsely that its Good Start Gentle formula can prevent or reduce allergies in children.
That claim is bogus, and the company misled consumers by suggesting that its formula was the first to meet government approval for reducing the risk of allergies, the Federal Trade Commission alleged in a complaint filed in federal court. The FTC says it wants Gerber to pull its claim from formula labels and advertisements.
And according to the complaint, it’s possible that at some point the FTC will ask the court to require that Gerber issue consumer refunds for the $20-plus packages sold since 2011.
Gerber Products Co., also doing business as Nestlé Infant Nutrition, said it didn’t violate the law.
“We are defending our position because we believe we have met, and will continue to meet, all legal requirements to make these product claims,” said Kevin Goldberg, vice president and general counsel for the New Jersey-based company.
Agencies/Canadajournal
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