NEW YORK (AP) —The Federal Trade Commission on Wednesday said it issued warnings to two food and beverage industry groups, as well as a dozen online influencers, for failing to adequately disclose paid social media posts that promoted a sweetener and sugary products.
The warnings follow updated guidelines the agency published this summer requiring influencers to prominently disclose advertisements and paid social media posts that promote products for companies.
The FTC said it reviewed posts by health influencers — including registered dieticians — who endorse “sugar-containing products” and appear to be paid by the Canadian Sugar Institute.
The agency wrote in the letters to the trade groups that the posts may violate federal law and could cost them up to $50,120 in penalties per violation.
The Canadian Sugar Institute did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Persons:
influencers, dieticians —, William M, Dermody Jr, dieticians, ” Dermody, “, ” Samuel Levine
Organizations:
Federal Trade Commission, American Beverage Association, PepsiCo, Canadian Sugar Institute, FTC, Health, American Beverage, Consumer
Locations:
dietitians, FTC’s