BBB National Programs Decision Summaries

The National Advertising Division of the Council of Better Business Bureaus has determined that S.C. Johnson & Son has provided reasonable support for its claim that Glade Fabric and Air Odor Eliminator “penetrates deeper” into carpet than a competing product. However, NAD recommended the advertiser discontinue visuals in broadcast advertising that aren’t supported by evidence.

The National Advertising Division has recommended that Pyle Audio, Inc. take reasonable measures to discontinue or modify currently posted online reviews for NutriChef Vacuum Sealer to include a clear and conspicuous disclosure that the reviews are incentivized, and that Pyle take reasonable measures to disclose the material connection between the reviewer and Pyle should it offer incentives to product purchasers in exchange for posting reviews. The challenge was brought to the attention of the NAD by Newell Brands, Inc., a maker of competing vacuum sealers.

Following a challenge by The Procter & Gamble Company, the National Advertising Division recommended that Reckitt Benckiser, LLC discontinue monadic and comparative performance claims, efficacy claims, and product demonstrations for its Woolite Laundry Detergent. The challenged express and implied claims appeared in television commercials, online advertising (including YouTube videos), in-store materials, third-party websites, and on packaging for various Woolite liquid laundry detergent including Woolite Gentle Cycle, Woolite Darks, Woolite Delicates, Woolite Baby and Woolite Active Wear.

A panel of the National Advertising Review Board (NARB) has found that an AT&T Services Inc. television commercial (the “Historic Launch”) conveys an unsupported claim that with over 99% reliability, its services are superior compared to at least one viable competitive service, and recommended that the message be discontinued.

A panel of the National Advertising Review Board (NARB) has recommended that Philips Oral Healthcare, Inc., modify certain advertising claims for the company’s Sonicare DiamondClean electric toothbrush.  The advertising at issue had been challenged by The Procter & Gamble Company, manufacturer of the competing Oral-B brand electric toothbrushes, before the National Advertising Division (NAD). The NAD is an investigative unit of the advertising industry’s system of self-regulation and is a division of the BBBNP’s self-regulatory and dispute resolution programs.  Following NAD’s decision, Philips appealed all of the NAD recommendations adverse to it to the NARB, the appellate unit of the advertising industry’s system of self-regulation. P&G exercised its right under the applicable rules of procedure to file a cross-appeal.

The National Advertising Division has recommended that Guthy-Renker discontinue or modify certain express and implied performance claims in video and internet advertising for its Crepe Erase Anti-Aging Body Care Treatment System. The advertiser has said it will appeal part of NAD’s findings to the National Advertising Review Board. Guthy-Renker’s Crepe Erase Anti-Aging Body Care Treatment System consists of two products intended to be used sequentially: (1) Exfoliating Body Polish; and (2) Intensive Body Repair Treatment.

The National Advertising Division has recommended that Weighting Comforts, LLC modify an advertising claim that its weighted blankets improve sleep, and discontinue a claim that its weighted blankets reduce anxiety. 

Following a challenge by Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc., the National Advertising Division recommended that Wink Naturals LLC discontinue certain challenged claims in online and social media advertising for its Cough Syrup dietary supplement.

The Children’s Advertising Review Unit (CARU) found that Snap, Inc. (“Snap”) takes effective measures to ensure that under-age children do not use its service. After carefully reviewing Snap’s procedures, CARU held that the company goes beyond the minimum requirements and incorporates higher-level safety design features to ensure that under-age children are not able to use Snapchat.

Following a challenge by Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc., the National Advertising Division recommended that Wink Naturals LLC discontinue certain challenged anxiety relief, natural, and drug-free claims in product packaging, website, social media, and third-party advertising for its Zen Drops.