The entities and individuals did not adequately disclose they were compensated by the industry.
The Federal Trade Commission sent warning letters to trade associations, registered dieticians, and other online influencers who did not adequately disclose that messengers were being paid by the respective sugar or aspartame industries. The trade organizations were warned that they may be in violation of the FTC Act due to the social media messaging on TikTok and Instagram.
“It’s irresponsible for any trade group to hire influencers to tout its members’ products and fail to ensure that the influencers come clean about that relationship,” said FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection Director Samuel Levine. “That’s certainly true for health and safety claims about sugar and aspartame, especially when made by registered dieticians and others upon whom people rely for advice about what to eat and drink.”
The FTC guidance states, “Paid endorsements should clearly and conspicuously disclose any unexpected material connections to ensure that consumers have the information they need to make informed purchasing decisions.“
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Director Levine to seek God’s wisdom as he heads the Bureau of Consumer Protection.
- For Chair Lina Khan and members of the FTC as they seek to hold businesses accountable for deceptive practices.
Sources: Federal Trade Commission
