FTC files suit against Rexall for claims on Cellasene

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -- The U.S. Federal Trade Commission filed suit Thursday charging Rexall Sundown Inc., which was recently acquired by Numico NV , with making false and unsubstantiated claims in marketing its dietary supplement Cellasene.

The Boca Raton, Florida-based company, which manufactures a variety of nutritional supplements and consumer health products, claimed its soft gel tablet eliminates or substantially reduces cellulite.

Consumers "shelled out serious money in good faith for a product that claimed to do just that," Jodie Bernstein, director of the FTC's bureau of consumer protection said in a statement. "Breaking a compact with consumers through false and misleading advertising is no way to do business."

The company's claims about Cellasene included "fights cellulite from the inside," "helps eliminate cellulite" and "The One That Works," according to the agency.

The FTC is seeking a permanent injunction to prohibit further false and misleading claims as well as monetary payments.

Rexall Sundown said it would vigorously defend itself, saying Cellasene had been found to be effective in two university studies in Italy.

"The Commission's action completely ignores the sound scientific research into the effectiveness of Cellasene," said Rexall Sundown senior vice president Debbie DeSantis.

"We stand strongly behind the product and its value to our customers," she said in a statement.

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