Probiotic Added Yogurts – yeah or ney? Just because Jamie Lee says they work for your digestive issues, should you go out and buy it, should you believe it? Well in a settlement recently announced, Dannon opted to pay out to consumers who felt the claims the ads were making were not backed up by actual results (see report below). I’m not surprised as I have gone on record not approving these yogurts as I had my own questions – is the probiotic content viable? is it enough dosage-wise? and as a QUALITARIAN are these yogurts the best out there – are they worthy of AKA? I didn’t have the proof I needed, and I knew these weren’t organic and in many cases contained added sugar and / or preservatives so I said no, they are not AKA. I blame the companies some, but I also want to remind consumers that maybe when seeking advice for how to resolve digestive issues, celebrities who have suffered similar conditions may not be the best person to give such advice (Sally Field for Bone Density, Brooke Shields for longer lashes etc).
Dannon to pay $45M to settle yogurt lawsuit
According to ABC News, for two years Dannon has been touting Activia and DanActive yogurt products as “clinically” and “scientifically” proven to regulate digestion and boost immune systems. A lawsuit accuses the yogurt maker of false advertising over probiotic bacteria.
Yet, despite the claims, at the end of February, a judge in Cleveland said Dannon must pay consumers up to $45 million in damages under the terms of a class action settlement, reached in federal court. The agreement also calls for Dannon to change its health claims for Activia and DanActive.
Cleveland Lawyer John Climaco and fellow Attorney Frank Piscitelli Jr., joined with attorneys from California and Florida in winning the settlement, which was approved by U.S. District Judge Dan Polster.
“The judge agreed that the company was making claims it simply hadn’t proven,” said Climaco. DanActive was introduced in January 2007. Activia has been sold in the U.S. since February 2006. No other Dannon products were involved in the court action.
In a statement posted on a newly launched Web site called dannonsettlement.com, Dannon defended its products and says it settled the lawsuit to “avoid the cost and distraction of litigation.”
“The lawsuit claims the advertising was not true,” the statement reads. “Dannon stands by its advertising and denies it did anything wrong.”
Yes, good for you!! As a Mom and also a health educator, I often caution people that there can be negligible amounts of the supposed “nutrients” in our foods and products today. Not to mention questionable ingredients that are labeled as “healthy”. I have a real issue with the whole “energy” claim especially those drinks…I educate my kids and students to read read read labels and know what those funny words actually are!