CARMEL, Calif., Mar 4, 2008 (UPI via COMTEX) -- A California herbal supplement
firm will pay $23.2 million in a class action settlement for false advertising,
one of the plaintiff groups said Tuesday.
Airborne, which advertised its supplement helped fight off colds, will refund
money to consumers who bought the product, said the non-profit advocacy group
Center for Science in the Public Interest.
"There's no credible evidence that what's in Airborne can prevent colds or
protect you from a germy environment," CSPI senior nutritionist David Schardt
told CNN. "Airborne is basically an overpriced, run-of-the-mill vitamin pill
that's been cleverly, but deceptively, marketed."
Airborne, based in Carmel, Calif., also will pay for nationwide advertising that
outlines how to file for a refund.
Airborne was created by second-grade teacher who "studied the benefits herbal
therapies used in Eastern medicine," the company's Web site said.
A recorded message at the toll-free number of the class-action settlement
administrator said Airborne Health Inc. admitted no wrongdoing, CNN reported.
A hearing to consider the settlement's final approval is scheduled for June 16.
Airborne changed its advertising campaign when a plaintiff filed suit against
the company in March 2006. Advertisements ceased mentioning cold-curing claims,
promoting claims that Airborne helped boost the body's immune systems.
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