Tuesday, March 4, 2008

False Advertising is Airborne


Airborne an herbal supplement that had boasted claims that it fended off the common cold, has settled a class-action lawsuit for false advertising. According to a CNN Money article the company has agreed to pay $23.3 million dollars to settle the suit. A senior member of the Center for Science in the Public Interest states that "Airborne is basically an overpriced, run-of-the-mill vitamin pill that has been cleverly, but deceptively marketed." The makers of Airborne had previously stated the there was scientific evidence to support it's claims, however these tests were not conducted by doctors or scientists, read more here. The products catchy label and prime placement on drug store shelves, right next to NyQuil, led to it's popularity, and since it is not a drug, but an herbal supplement no FDA approval of its claims are necessary. Just another example of buyer beware, and not to believe everything you read on a box.