Consumer Warnings and the Oz Effect -- Food Science in the News

Nutritional Outlook posted an insightful article about the FTC's challenges in sketchy weight-loss ads, but there are some thoughts I'd like to add.

Consumer Awareness and Supplement Red Flags

The Nutritional Outlook article, "What Will it Take to Stop Sketchy Weight-Loss Ads" highlights some of the challenges both consumers and the Federal Trade Commission face daily: what to do about those questionable products with deceptive claims.

One of the scariest parts of this article is the discussion on "fly-by-night" advertisers. Fly-by-night advertisers will advertise a product and take the consumer's money, but they don't actually have a manufacturing location, they're just selling a product some other company is making. Talk about a total lack of traceability and transparency!!!

The scary part of this scenario is it's not just limited to weight-loss products. Ever seen those energy drinks you can only get online? Hmmm...

As discussed in the Nutritional Outlook article, the FTC has announced a program called "Gut Check" which is designed to help media broadcasters spot fraudulent ads. Consumer also need to use their own gut check and watch out for red flags in product advertising. For How to Spot a Red Flag: 6 Red Flags and Safety Tips, check out Are You a Monster or a Rock Star: A Guide to Energy Drinks - How They Work, Why They Work and How to Use Them Safety

Related Reading:
5-in-1 Weight Loss Supplement Combo IS Effective, but Thanks to WHICH combo?
Nutritional Outlook article: Dr. Oz Defends His Shows' Impact on Weight Loss Scams
NutraIngredients.com article: Dr. Oz on 'The Dr. Oz Effect': For my colleagues at the FTC...

Other Handy Resources:
Google HELPOUTS: "Energy Drink 101: how to sort the good from the bad" - enjoy a face-to-face (via webcam) conversation with yours truly and learn how to avoid red flags and questionable products (First session is free; spend 5 minutes talking or 30 minutes, I'm here to help - D. Robertson)

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