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Airborne Agrees To Pay Back Millions To Consumers

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Aug 14, 2008 5:28 pm US/Pacific

Airborne Agrees To Pay Back Millions To Consumers

Link: Airborne Products Settlement

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS) ― Airborne. It's a natural remedy many people swear by when it comes to fighting off germs in crowded places. But now the makers have reached a settlement over disputed claims about the product's effectiveness.

Victoria Knight-McDowell, a former 2nd grade teacher in Carmel, created the natural remedy to fend off classroom germs. But skeptics argue there's no proof the mix of vitamins and herbs prevents or shortens colds, so Airborne's marketing claims are false. 

The Federal Trade Commission won a legal battle and Lydia Parnes announced, "We alleged these claims were deceptive for one important reason, they were made without substantiation. Consumers depend on information on packaging when they decide on what to buy. Marketers who ignore their responsibility to substantiate claims can expect to hear from the FTC."

These days Airborne's box has new statements like "Helps support your immune system" and "It's a formula people swear by" and "These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration." 

In addition to more accurate advertising the new settlement requires the company to add $6.5-million to a recent class action settlement bringing the total amount owed to consumers to $30-million. 

Airborne continues to deny any wrongdoing, saying the settlement is a way to move forward. If you bought a box of Airborne between May of 2001 and November of 2007 and want your money back claims must be made by September 15, sent in the mail or online. Claims could be paid as early as October. 

For more information on the Airborne settlement, click here.

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