Nestle settles with FTC over deceptive marketing claims on Boost children’s drink

Nestle reaches settlement over Boost health claims

WASHINGTON — A Nestle subsidiary has reached a settlement with the Federal Trade Commission over claims of false advertising in its promotion of a children’s drink.

The FTC says Nestle claimed its Boost Kid Essentials drink with probiotics boosted childrens’ immune systems, prevented illnesses and reduced their school absences. Regulators say the claims didn’t stand up to scrutiny.

Nestle will drop claims about the health benefits of the drink and will also stop claiming it will reduce sick days and other conditions unless the claims become backed by clinical studies.

This is the FTC’s first case challenging advertising for probiotics. Probiotics are live bacteria found naturally in many foods. They are touted as aiding digestion and fighting harmful bacteria.