Pom Wonderful: Our claims are ‘true’

By staff reporter, 05-Mar-2010

Pomegranate leader Pom Wonderful has issued a statement about the warning letter it received from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding antioxidant-based health claims being made on two of its websites.

“We are currently reviewing the FDA’s concerns,” Pom Wonderful said in its statement.

“As strong advocates of honest labeling and fair advertising, POM Wonderful wants its customers to know that all statements made in connection with our products are true, and are supported by an unprecedented body of scientific research.”

“Pom is confident about the depth of our research; we look forward to working with the FDA to resolve these issues and to continued clear and honest communications with consumers about the health benefits of our products.”

The warning letter was one of 17 sent companies about potentially misleading claims, and stated claims being made at www.pomwonderful.com and www.pompills.com were in violation of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act because they promote the products’ use in the cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease.

Pom Wonderful claims included being able to reduce atherosclerosis; reduce blood flow/pressure; slow the onset of prostate cancer; improve erectile function; improve circulation; reduce cholesterol; fight free radicals and benefit diabetes.

The FDA warned Pom Wonderful about citing scientific publications because they could be construed as evidence, “of the product’s intended use”.