QVC Home Shopping Channel has been slapped with a federal lawsuit accusing it of making false claims for weight-loss products.
The action, filed by the Federal Trade Commission, in the U.S. District Court in Philadelphia, charges that the claims were made in violation of an FTC order issued in 2000.
The FTC is seeking penalties and consumer redress. The penalty for violating orders is $11,000 per violation.
QVC responded that it operates within the law, according to published reports.
According to the complaint, QVC sold products like Lipofactor Cellulite Target Lotion and Lite Bites via live broadcasts featuring testimonials from consumers.
The suit continues that QVC made unsubstantiated claims that:
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For Women Only products could produce weight loss of 100 pounds or more.
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For Women Only Zero Fat pills prevent fat absorption.
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For Women Only Zero Carb pills prevent sugar and carbohydrates from being stored as fat.
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Lite Bites products enable customers to lose over 125 pounds and to maintain that weight loss.
Lipofactor Cellulite Target Lotion eliminates cellulite without diet or exercise.
“QVC’s claims for these products are not only unsubstantiated, but for some, scientifically impossible,” said Howard Beales, director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection, in a statement. “No pill or drink can cause anyone to lose 125 pounds.”
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