[Federal Register: December 17, 2002 (Volume 67, Number 242)]
[Notices]
[Page 77282-77283]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr17de02-56]
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FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION
Public Workshop: Advertising of Weight Loss Products
AGENCY: Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
ACTION: Extension of public comment period.
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SUMMARY: The FTC issues an amendment to its notice announcing
publicWorkshop, extending the time period during which persons may
submit written comments on the topics discussed by the panelists.
DATES: Written comments must be received on or before February 3, 2003.
ADDRESSES: Written comments may be submitted to Secretary, Federal
Trade Commission, Room 159, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington,
DC 20580, or e-mailed to weightloss@ftc.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rona Kelner, (202) 326-2752,
rkelner@ftc.gov, or Lesley Fair, (202) 326-3081, lfair@ftc.gov,
Division of Advertising Practices, Federal Trade Commission, 600
Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20580. To read the
Commission's policy on how it handles the information you may submit,
please visit http://www.ftc.gov/ftc/privacy.htm.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
November 19, 2002, Workshop
On November 19, 2002, the FTC held a public workshop on deception
in weight-loss advertising. The goal of the workshop was to explore the
impact of deceptive weight loss ads and to develop new approaches for
combating weight loss advertising fraud. Three panels were convened
over the course of the day, each focusing, respectively, on science,
industry, and media issues.
The first panel consisted of researchers, academicians, medical
professionals, and industry experts who discussed the state of the
science regarding weight loss. These panelists evaluated eight common
claims found in ads for weight loss products and opined on whether
these claims promised results that are not scientifically feasible.
The second panel was comprised of representatives from the weight
loss industry, including companies that sell weight loss products and
trade associations that represent dietary supplement makers. This panel
discussed the problem that deceptive advertising poses for legitimate
industry players, and addressed what industry self-regulatory efforts
have been, and could be, implemented.
The third panel was made up of media experts and representatives of
media organizations and outlets. This panel focused on the role of the
media in screening out false and deceptive advertisements, and
discussed new approaches to effective media screening.
A detailed agenda, transcript, and other information about the
workshop can be found on the FTC's Web site at http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/workshops/weightloss
.
Form and Availability of Comments
To continue the discussion on this important topic, the FTC is
extending the time period during which public comments may be
submitted. Interested parties may file written comments on the issues
that the panels addressed until February 3, 2003. Comments should be
captioned ``Advertising of Weight Loss Products Workshop--Comment,
P024527.''
Parties sending written comments should submit an original and two
copies of each document. To enable prompt review and public access,
paper submissions should include a version on diskette in PDF,
ASCII,WordPerfect, or Microsoft Word format. Diskettes should be
labeled with the name of the party, and the name and version of the
word processing program used to create the document. Alternatively,
comments may be e-mailed to weightloss@ftc.gov.
[[Page 77283]]
Written comments will be available for public inspection in
accordance with the Freedom of Information Act, 5 U.S.C. 552, and FTC
regulations, 16 CFR 4.9, Monday through Friday between the hours of
8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. at the Public Reference Room, Room 130-H, Federal
Trade Commission, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20580.
This notice and, to the extent possible, all comments will also be
posted on the FTC Web site, http://www.ftc.gov.
By direction of the Commission.
Donald S. Clark,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 02-31647 Filed 12-16-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6750-01-P