[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 64 (Thursday, April 3, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Page 15896]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-8493]


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FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION
[Dkt. C-3707]


Universal Merchants, Inc., et al.; Prohibited Trade Practices, 
and Affirmative Corrective Actions

AGENCY: Federal Trade Commission.

ACTION: Consent order.

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SUMMARY: In settlement of alleged violations of federal law prohibiting 
unfair or deceptive acts or practices and unfair methods of 
competition, this consent order prohibits, among other things, a 
California-based dietary supplement manufacturer and its president from 
claiming, without competent and reliable scientific substantiation, 
that any food, dietary supplement or drug reduces body fat, causes 
weight loss, increase lean body mass, or controls appetite or craving 
for sugar; from misrepresenting the results of any test, study or 
research; and from representing that any testimonial or endorsement is 
the typical experience of users of the advertised product, unless the 
claim is substantiated or the respondent discloses the generally 
expected results clearly and prominently.

DATES: Complaint and Order issued January 23, 1997.\1\

    \1\ Copies of the Complaint and the Decision and Order are 
available from the Commission's Public Reference Branch, H-130, 6th 
Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20580.
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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Richard Cleland, FTC/H-466, Washington, DC 20580. (202) 326-3088.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On Friday, November 15, 1996, there was 
published in the Federal Register, 61 FR 58563, a proposed consent 
agreement with analysis In the Matter of Universal Merchants, Inc., et 
al., for the purpose of soliciting public comment. Interested parties 
were given sixty (60) days in which to submit comments, suggestions or 
objections regarding the proposed form of the order.
    No comments having been received, the Commission has ordered the 
issuance of the complaint in the form contemplated by the agreement, 
made its jurisdictional findings and entered an order to cease and 
desist, as set forth in the proposed consent agreement, in disposition 
of this proceeding.

(Sec. 6, 38 Stat. 721; 15 U.S.C. 46. Interprets or applies sec. 5, 
38 Stat. 719, as amended; 15 U.S.C. 45, 52)
Benjamin I. Berman,
Acting Secretary.
[FR Doc. 97-8493 Filed 4-2-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6750-01-M