Dannon must pay up for false claims

Dannon must pay consumers up to $45 million in damages for falsely advertising the health benefits of its yogurt, under the terms of a class action settlement reached in federal court in Cleveland. The targets of the class action were two Dannon yogurt products -- Activia and DanActive -- pitched in TV ads by actress Jamie Lee Curtis.

Under terms of the settlement agreement, Dannon must remove the words "clinically" and "scientifically proven" from labels and advertisements of Activia yogurt in reference to claims the product helps to regulate the digestive system. In their place, the words "clinical studies show," or something similar, must be substituted. Dannon also must note that Activia and DanActive yogurts are food, not treatments or cures for any medical disorder or disease. Also, Dannon must remove the word "immunity" from DanActive labels and ads, as well as include a qualifier to the claim the yogurt "helps strengthen your body's defenses" or "helps support the immune system." That is only true, the qualifier claims, "when eaten regularly as part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle," according to the order.

Bonnie - these probiotic yogurts are underwhelming, deceptive, and loaded with sweeteners and artificial ingredients. It is nice to see the FTC take action.