In its ongoing campaign to combat exaggerated health claims, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has reached a settlement with cactus juice marketer TriVita. The Arizona-based company agreed to refund consumers $3.5 million, settling FTC allegations that TriVita deceived consumers with unsupported claims about the health benefits of its Nopalea wellness drink.
Advertisements for Nopalea, which sold for up to $39.99 plus shipping and handling, billed the product as “Inflammation Relief without a Prescription.” The company’s frequently aired infomercials claimed the “prickly pear” fruit drink would treat a wide variety of other health conditions as well.
According to the FTC release, one featured TriVita’s Chief Science Officer, Brazos Minshew, linking inflammation to allergies, Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease and diabetes.
In an ad featuring celebrity endorser and former supermodel Cheryl Tiegs, the former Sports Illustrated model claims, “If you’ve suffered from inflammation or chronic pain for years, there’s something that can help,” the FTC release quotes.
The agency also charged TriVita with failing to disclose its connections to the individuals featured in a separate infomercial. The ad featured testimonials by satisfied customers who were in fact paid employees of the company.
“These kinds of unfounded claims are unacceptable, particularly when they impact consumers’ health,” Jessica Rich, Director of the FTC’s Bureau