Gwyneth Paltrow’s ‘lifestyle’ company Goop is under scrutiny after being accused of making deceptive health claims by Truth in Advertising, Inc. (TINA) TINA is a non-profit, advertising watchdog group out of Madison, CN. They performed an independent investigation of Goop and found the company to have unsubstantiated health and disease-management related claims in their marketing materials and website content. Following their investigation, TINA wrote letters to the district attorney’s in both Santa Clara and Santa Cruz counties in CA demanding that they take legal action. These two counties were specifically addressed because they’re part of a California task force that investigates the makers of health and wellness products who make questionable health claims.
While no official legal action has been taken yet, consumers should be aware of the potential for claims.
For more information, contact Attorney Group. We offer free, confidential, no obligation consultations. We can help answer your questions, and if you choose to pursue a case, we can connect you with an affiliated lawsuit attorney who can assist you throughout the legal process.
What is a Deceptive Health Claim?
Both federal and state laws prohibit companies from making unsupported health claims in their marketing and advertising. All health claims must be backed by sound, competent, and reliable scientific data and information.
Based on the independent investigation, TINA has cited at least 51 specific instances in which Goop made express and implicit claims that their products can, “….treat, cure, prevent, and/or alleviate the symptoms of, or reduce the risk of developing a number of ailments.” Such claims were made about a wide range of products from both Goop’s private label and other vendors, but none, according to TINA, are substantiated by scientific data or facts.
Products such as the rose quartz egg and detox seaweed bath soak claim to regulate hormonal imbalances and fight the signs of aging. But TINA claims that Goop “….does not possess the competent and reliable scientific evidence required by law to make such claims.”
Goop denies any deception in their health claims and stated that TINA failed to be specific about what is allegedly wrong with their products.
Consumer Rights
Consumers who suffer financial losses or other damages because of deceptive health claims do have rights and remedies, most often monetary.
In addition, consumers may seek the following:
- An injunction ordering the business to remove all false advertising and deceptive claims
- An injunction ordering the business to stop participating in deceptive practices
- An injunction ordering the business to include appropriate disclosure statements in their advertising and marketing
Additionally, makers of health products have a duty to provide safe products. If there are risks of harm associated with their products, they also must provide adequate warnings. If a product maker fails to fulfill this duty, it could be held liable in lawsuits for injuries that may result.
People injured by the fault of others may be eligible to recover money for:
- Medical Expenses
- Lost Wages
- Pain and Suffering
Find Out More
For more information, contact the Attorney Group. After you contact us, an attorney will follow up to answer questions that you might have. There is no cost or obligation to speak with us, and any information you provide will be kept confidential.
Please note that the law limits the time you have to pursue a claim or file a lawsuit for an injury. If you think you have a case, you should not delay taking action.
