BBB National Programs Decision Summaries

BBB National Programs provides summaries of all case decisions from the National Advertising Division (NAD), National Advertising Review Board (NARB), Children’s Advertising Review Unit (CARU), Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSSRC), and Digital Advertising Accountability Program (DAAP). Subscribe to receive a weekly wrap-up of published case decisions in your inbox.

 

For the full text of NAD, NARB, and CARU decisions, subscribe to the Online Archive. Other case decisions are available publicly: DSSRC and DAAP. For members of the press, the full text of any BBB National Programs decision is available by emailing the request to press@bbbnp.org.
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  • 7/08/2020 - NAD Fast-Track SWIFT Cases Resolved by Voluntary Discontinuation of Claims and One by Recommendation to Discontinue Claim in Google Ads

    The National Advertising Division (NAD) of BBB National Programs announced three new cases resolved in the month of June using its efficient Fast-Track SWIFT (Single Well-Defined Issue Fast Track) challenge process. Security service provider ADT challenged Frontpoint Security Solutions’ “no contract required” claim, kitchen designer Officine Gullo challenged fellow kitchen designer and manufacturer L’Atelier Paris Haute Design’s claim related to their length of time in business, and snack manufacturer Kind challenged Clif Bar with regard to its Google Ads claim “A Better Performing Bar | Clif Bar | For Sustained Energy.” 

  • 7/01/2020 - SmileDirectClub Will Appeal NAD’s Recommendation to Discontinue Claim that Clear Aligners Deliver Results “3x Sooner Than Braces”

    The National Advertising Division (NAD) determined that SmileDirectClub, LLC (SDC) substantiated the claims “Pricing: $1895 or $85 per month” and “Getting started is risk-free,” but recommended SDC discontinue the claim that their system delivers results “3x sooner than braces” as well as the claim that SDC customers receive “the same level of care from a treating dentist or orthodontist as an individual visiting a traditional orthodontist for treatment.” The claims at issue were challenged by the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), a professional organization made up of orthodontists. SDC said it will appeal NAD’s decision on its “3x sooner than braces” claim to the National Advertising Review Board. 

  • 6/29/2020 - Social Media Post Implying Continual-G Glutathione Enhancer Protects Against COVID-19 is Discontinued Following NAD Inquiry

    Following an inquiry by the National Advertising Division (NAD), INID Research Lab, LLC discontinued a social media post that conveyed an implied message that the immunity-boosting capabilities of Continual-G Glutathione Enhancer protect consumers against COVID-19. The challenged social media post showed an image of a woman wearing a face mask with the text, “Strong IMMUNITY Needs Glutathione” and associated text stating “Building your immunity during these times is more important than ever.” 

  • 6/26/2020 - NAD Finds T-Mobile Pricing Claim Not Misleading; Recommends Modifications to Certain Disclosures for Unlimited Wireless Plans

    The National Advertising Division (NAD) determined that T-Mobile USA, Inc.’s “four lines” advertising was not misleading as to the price per line of a wireless plan. However, NAD recommended modification of disclosures to advertising for T-Mobile’s Essentials and other unlimited plan offerings in certain contexts, to clearly and conspicuously disclose why and when Essentials plan customers will experience prioritization lower than other T-Mobile customers. T-Mobile’s claims were challenged by Charter Communications, Inc., provider of a competing wireless service. 

  • 6/26/2020 - Advertiser Agrees to Refrain from Claims that Provezza Elderberry Syrup Protects Against COVID-19

    Provezza Health, LLC informed the National Advertising Division (NAD) that, prior to the opening of NAD’s inquiry, it had permanently discontinued the Instagram post of Provezza Elderberry Syrup with the text, “Potent Immune Support During A Severe Season” and associated text stating “Provezza is highly concentrated to deliver antioxidant action for immune defense” because the advertisement’s publication cycle had ended. While the advertiser disagreed that the post challenged by NAD conveyed the implied claim that Provezza Elderberry Syrup protects users against COVID-19, it committed to refrain from making express or implied claims with such a message in the future.

  • 6/17/2020 - NAD Refers Ceres Turf, Inc. Advertising Claims to FTC After Advertiser Declines to Participate

    The National Advertising Division (NAD) has referred advertising claims made by Ceres Turf, Inc. to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for further review after the company declined to participate in a proceeding before NAD. 

     

  • 6/16/2020 - P&G Will Appeal NAD’s Recommendation to Discontinue Use of #1 Claim for Oral-B Interdental Picks

    The National Advertising Division (NAD) recommended that the Procter & Gamble Company (P&G) discontinue a “#1” claim in its advertising for Oral-B interdental picks. This claim, which appeared on product packaging, free-standing inserts, and online point of purchase advertising and product descriptions was challenged by Sunstar Americas, Inc. (Sunstar), manufacturer of the competing brand of GUM interdental picks. P&G said it will appeal this adverse finding to the National Advertising Review Board. 

  • 6/11/2020 - NAD Recommends Discontinuance of Blood Boost Dietary Supplement Claim to “Cure” Type 2 Diabetes and “Reverse” Insulin Resistance

    The National Advertising Division (NAD) recommended that Nature’s Boost, LLC discontinue certain health-related efficacy claims concerning the ability of its Blood Boost Formula dietary supplement to cure diabetes or substantially reduce a diabetic’s symptoms. NAD further recommended that the advertiser discontinue qualified claims as to the efficacy of any Blood Boost ingredient to confer these benefits, as well as a claim that the product is “all-natural.” The claims were challenged by the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN). 

  • 6/10/2020 - First Three NAD Fast-Track SWIFT Cases Resolved by Government Agency Referral, Modified Claim, and Administrative Closure

    Within one month of BBB National Programs’ National Advertising Division (NAD) launching the NAD Fast-Track SWIFT (Single Well-Defined Issue Fast Track) challenge process earlier this spring, the goal was initiation to decision in 20 business days. 

  • 6/10/2020 - NAD Recommends Discontinuance of Certain “Natural” Claims for Air Wick Essential Mist and Scented Oils; Finds “Lasts up to 60 days” Claim Supported

    The National Advertising Division (NAD) recommended that Reckitt Benckiser discontinue certain challenged “natural” claims for Air Wick Fragrance Essential Mist and Air Wick Scented Oils, but determined that the advertiser’s durational claim that Scented Oils “lasts up to 60 days” was substantiated. The claims were challenged by S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc., manufacturer of the competing Glade brand of home fragrance products.