ShopNBC Settles With FTC

ShopNBC Settles With FTC

WASHINGTON--According to the Federal Trade Commission (FAD),Value Vision International, which owns and operates a cable television andInternet-based home shopping service known as ShopNBC and ShopNBC.com,respectively, agreed to pay a $215,000 civil penalty to resolve allegations thatit make unsubstantiated health claims for Physician's RX. The supplement, whichcontained vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, was promoted for reducing fatigueassociated with taking prescription drugs; decreasing fatigue associated withillness; increasing energy, stamina and endurance within a week to 10 days; andrelieving arthritis symptoms. The FTC complaint also alleged ValueVision did nothave competent or reliable scientific evidence to substantiate claims, whichviolated a July 2001 order by FTC relating to the company's weight-loss,cellulite and hair health products.