Suarez Corporation Industries’ Direct Response Advertising Referred To FTC

New York, NY  – May 10, 2005 – The Electronic  Retailing  Self-Regulation Program (ERSP), announced that it will refer advertising disseminated by Suarez Corporation Industries, marketers of AbGONE weight loss supplement, to the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”). The truth and accuracy of the marketer’s claims came to the attention of ERSP through a monitoring and  consumer challenge.

Among the core claims that were identified by ERSP in inquiry of involving AbGONE advertising were: a) general performance claims (i.e., “New pill targets fat and water in the abdomen that cause the pot belly.”); b) establishment claims (i.e., “Developed from studies…” ) and c) safety claims (i.e., “The only side effects of the ingredients you should see in AbGONE are a better appearance, better mental function, and better health.”).

Pursuant to the ERSP Procedures, after failing to respond to ERSP’s original inquiry within fifteen calendar days, the direct  response marketer was afforded a second ten-day period in which  to submit a substantive response. The marketer failed to meet this second deadline and pursuant to section  2.6 (B) of the ERSP Procedures, this inquiry has been referred to the FTC in order to address concerns regarding the truthfulness and accuracy of the ABGone direct  response advertisement.