123.  FTC v. Enforma Natural Products, Inc. Civil Action No.: 04376JSL(CWx) (C.D. Cal. filed April 25, 2000)

Defendants: Enforma Natural Products, Inc., Andrew Grey, and Fred Zinos

Type:  Deceptive Weight Loss Claims

The defendants sold weight-loss pills called "Fat Trapper" and "Exercise In A Bottle" through television infomercials and their Web site at www.enformanatural.com. The FTC alleged that have settled FTC charges that they made false and unsubstantiated weight loss claims in their advertising of "The Enforma System."

The FTC obtained two Stipulated Final Orders to settle its allegations. Both orders 1) prohibit the defendants from making unsubstantiated claims that any product, service or program causes or maintains weight loss or avoids weight gain without dieting or exercise, prevents fat absorption, increases metabolism, burns fat, or allows weight loss even if users eat high fat foods; 2) require that future weight loss claims be accompanied by a clear and prominent disclosure that reducing calorie intake and/or exercising more is necessary to lose weight; 3) require that the defendants have scientific substantiation for any claims about the health or weight loss benefits, performance, safety or efficacy of any product, service or program; and 4) prohibit false claims about the existence or results of any tests, studies, or research. The Stipulated Order with Enforma Natural Products and Grey required that they pay to the FTC $10 million as consumer redress.