Learning targets: Blogs, risky words, testimonials, ingredient benefits
Informational blogs on a commercial website are considered “labeling”
Today's #WarningLetterWednesday is an important reminder that blogs, testimonials, and discussing ingredient benefits can easily cross the line into claims, especially when filled with high-risk buzzwords!
🔷The FDA and FTC look for a material connection. The material connection was evident in this warning letter, as there's a hyperlink (Call To Action) to a shopping cart, as noted here.
➡️From warning letter: On the "Prevent MRSA Infection" blog post ... which hyperlinks to the product webpage for B Complex.
🔷I discuss best practices for reducing risks on blogs here. 👓
🔷Ingredient descriptions on a commercial website may be implied product claims. I discuss this here.
🔷A good strategy is to ensure ingredient education is free of high-risk "buzzwords" or disease claims. Some examples are anti-inflammatory, insomnia, or anything ending in "itis" (arthritis). Here is a WLW post and video about this from a few months back.
🔷Product testimonials can be marketing claims, especially as they're highlighted in this company's "Customer Stories" section.
➡️From warning letter: "'I have been taking CellRenew since May of 2003. . . . This product has kept my arthritis at bay. . . .'"
This company talks about viruses that are top of mind for the FDA, and I am unsurprised by this warning letter. Good job, Denver office! We've seen the Denver office focus on claims made in blogs before, a cautionary tale for companies in their district.
Read the full warning letter here.
Follow 👉My Warning Letter Wednesday LinkedIn Group for early WLW access.
Disclaimer: The educational information provided here is for informational purposes only. Contact an attorney for specific legal advice. Rule #1 in compliance is to ensure marketing is truthful and not misleading.