Here is another lesson in why you can't believe everything food labels tell you.
The Dannon Company was ordered by the federal government to pay a $21 million fine and stop making exaggerated health claims for two very popular Dannon products under an agreement with the federal government and attorneys general from 39 states, according to an article in USA Today.
Many of you have probably seen the commercials - using high profiles figures like Jamie Lee Curtis - where Dannon claims a serving of its Activia yogurt will make people regular and help with digestive problems.
It also said the DanActive drinks fended off colds and flu.
The Federal Trade Commission said Wednesday Dannon must stop making the claims.
My colleague Liz Kay also wrote about the issue.
"These types of misleading claims are enough to give consumers indigestion," said FTC Chairman Jon Leibowitz. "Companies like Dannon shouldn't exaggerate the strength of scientific support for their products."
The FTC charged that Dannon's ads were deceptive because it did not have substantiation for its claims, according to the USA Today article. The commission also charged that Dannon's claims that Activia and DanActive were clinically proven were false.
So what do you think? Was Dannon wrong for making such claims? Any of you rush out to buy the products hoping it would help you with bathroom issues? And what about the fine? Is it enough or just a typical slap on the wrist?
(Associated Press photo)