[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 242 (Tuesday, December 17, 2002)]
[Notices]
[Pages 77282-77283]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-31647]


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FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION


Public Workshop: Advertising of Weight Loss Products

AGENCY: Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

ACTION: Extension of public comment period.

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SUMMARY: The FTC issues an amendment to its notice announcing 
publicWorkshop, extending the time period during which persons may 
submit written comments on the topics discussed by the panelists.

DATES: Written comments must be received on or before February 3, 2003.

ADDRESSES: Written comments may be submitted to Secretary, Federal 
Trade Commission, Room 159, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, 
DC 20580, or e-mailed to [email protected].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rona Kelner, (202) 326-2752, 
[email protected], or Lesley Fair, (202) 326-3081, [email protected], 
Division of Advertising Practices, Federal Trade Commission, 600 
Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20580. To read the 
Commission's policy on how it handles the information you may submit, 
please visit http://www.ftc.gov/ftc/privacy.htm.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

November 19, 2002, Workshop

    On November 19, 2002, the FTC held a public workshop on deception 
in weight-loss advertising. The goal of the workshop was to explore the 
impact of deceptive weight loss ads and to develop new approaches for 
combating weight loss advertising fraud. Three panels were convened 
over the course of the day, each focusing, respectively, on science, 
industry, and media issues.
    The first panel consisted of researchers, academicians, medical 
professionals, and industry experts who discussed the state of the 
science regarding weight loss. These panelists evaluated eight common 
claims found in ads for weight loss products and opined on whether 
these claims promised results that are not scientifically feasible.
    The second panel was comprised of representatives from the weight 
loss industry, including companies that sell weight loss products and 
trade associations that represent dietary supplement makers. This panel 
discussed the problem that deceptive advertising poses for legitimate 
industry players, and addressed what industry self-regulatory efforts 
have been, and could be, implemented.
    The third panel was made up of media experts and representatives of 
media organizations and outlets. This panel focused on the role of the 
media in screening out false and deceptive advertisements, and 
discussed new approaches to effective media screening.
    A detailed agenda, transcript, and other information about the 
workshop can be found on the FTC's Web site at  http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/workshops/weightloss.

Form and Availability of Comments

    To continue the discussion on this important topic, the FTC is 
extending the time period during which public comments may be 
submitted. Interested parties may file written comments on the issues 
that the panels addressed until February 3, 2003. Comments should be 
captioned ``Advertising of Weight Loss Products Workshop--Comment, 
P024527.''
    Parties sending written comments should submit an original and two 
copies of each document. To enable prompt review and public access, 
paper submissions should include a version on diskette in PDF, 
ASCII,WordPerfect, or Microsoft Word format. Diskettes should be 
labeled with the name of the party, and the name and version of the 
word processing program used to create the document. Alternatively, 
comments may be e-mailed to [email protected].

[[Page 77283]]

    Written comments will be available for public inspection in 
accordance with the Freedom of Information Act, 5 U.S.C. 552, and FTC 
regulations, 16 CFR 4.9, Monday through Friday between the hours of 
8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. at the Public Reference Room, Room 130-H, Federal 
Trade Commission, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20580. 
This notice and, to the extent possible, all comments will also be 
posted on the FTC Web site, http://www.ftc.gov.

    By direction of the Commission.
Donald S. Clark,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 02-31647 Filed 12-16-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6750-01-P