McLean, VA – July 31, 2023 – BBB National Programs’ data privacy watchdog, the Digital Advertising Accountability Program (DAAP), brought Sharethrough, a Montreal-based advertising exchange, into compliance with the Digital Advertising Alliance’s (DAA) Self-Regulatory Principles for online interest-based advertising.
Sharethrough connects marketing campaigns, journalists, and content creators with supply-side advertising platforms in a variety of formats including display, video, and native advertising. DAAP monitors the digital marketplace for compliance with digital interest-based advertising best practices. As part of its ongoing monitoring activity, DAAP conducted a review of Sharethrough’s third-party targeted advertising practices.
Though Sharethrough-provided advertisements identified by DAAP displayed the required DAA Ad Choices icon link per the DAA Principles, clicking on it redirected users to the top of Sharethrough’s privacy policy without clear, meaningful, or prominent indications of where IBA-specific disclosures could be accessed. In addition, the privacy policy’s scattered references to Sharethrough’s IBA practices lacked an easy-to-use IBA opt-out mechanism and a statement of adherence to the DAA Principles.
In response to DAAP’s inquiry, Sharethrough reviewed its practices for compliance with the DAA Principles. To meet its obligations and ensure consumers can easily learn more about how their data is being collected and used by third parties, Sharethrough modified its privacy policy, including:
- Adding a new easy-to-find Section 10, titled “Industry Self-Regulation & Ad Choices,” which includes a statement of adherence to the DAA Principles, a description of the DAA-developed IBA opt-out tool, and a link for users to access the tool.
- Changed the Ad Choices link so that it takes users directly to Section 4, “Why We Collect Your Information.”
- In Section 4, added a description of opt-out choices and a jumplink that takes users directly to the new Section 10.
In its advertiser statement, Sharethrough stated that it is “strongly committed to establishing trust and accountability within the ad tech ecosystem, among our partners, and to users.”
All BBB National Programs case decision summaries can be found in the case decision library. For the full text of DAAP decisions, visit the DAAP Decisions and Guidance webpage.
About BBB National Programs: BBB National Programs, a non-profit organization, is the home of U.S. independent industry self-regulation, currently operating more than a dozen globally recognized programs that have been helping enhance consumer trust in business for more than 50 years. These programs provide third-party accountability and dispute resolution services that address existing and emerging industry issues, create a fairer playing field for businesses and a better experience for consumers. BBB National Programs continues to evolve its work and grow its impact by providing business guidance and fostering best practices in arenas such as advertising, child-and-teen-directed marketing, data privacy, dispute resolution, automobile warranty, technology, and emerging areas. To learn more, visit bbbprograms.org.
About the Digital Advertising Accountability Program: The Digital Advertising Accountability Program (DAAP), a division of BBB National Programs, was developed by the Digital Advertising Alliance (DAA) to enforce industry self-regulation principles for data privacy in online and mobile advertising, holding companies accountable to the DAA’s Privacy Principles. DAAP provides guidance to companies looking to comply with industry principles and responds to complaints filed by consumers about online privacy.
Contact Information
Name: Jennie Rosenberg
Email: jrosenberg@bbbnp.org
Job Title: Media Relations
Following National Advertising Division Challenge, Project Makeover Video Game Advertising Depicting Harmful Social Stereotypes is Discontinued
New York, NY – July 28, 2023 – Following a challenge brought by the National Advertising Division (NAD) of BBB National Programs as part of its routine monitoring program, Magic Tavern, Inc. discontinued certain advertising used to promote a mobile video game called Project Makeover.
The advertising, appearing in digital advertising and on YouTube, depicts a female character who faces rejection and ridicule because her physical appearance changes from “pretty” to “ugly.” Notably, the transition to ugly is highlighted by a notable change in the female character’s clothing, hygiene, and make-up. All these physical changes to the female character are accompanied by a drastic visible change in how the male character in the advertising responds to her.
NAD determined that the challenged advertising depicts harmful negative gender stereotypes about a woman’s appearance because it portrays women as helpless and social outcasts if they fail to maintain a feminine appearance conveying a misleading message that to be treated fairly, women must present themselves in a specific, feminine way. Additionally, NAD noted that the challenged advertisements do not reflect actual gameplay and that the negative stereotypes appear to be used only for shock value, to attract attention to the game.
During the proceeding, Magic Tavern discontinued the advertising and represented that it will not use similar advertisements in the future. However, because Magic Tavern was aware of the continued dissemination of the advertising by third parties, NAD recommended that the advertiser take steps to request removal of its discontinued advertising from third-party websites.
In its advertiser statement, Magic Tavern stated that it “will comply with the NAD’s recommendations.” Magic Tavern also stated that it, prior to NAD’s monitoring inquiry, “took steps to discontinue the challenged ads and took various additional steps, including implementing a revised set of creative guidelines for ads and conducting an additional review of creatives served by (or on behalf of) Magic Tavern.”
All BBB National Programs case decision summaries can be found in the case decision library. For the full text of NAD, NARB, and CARU decisions, subscribe to the online archive. This release shall not be used for advertising or promotional purposes.
About BBB National Programs: BBB National Programs, a non-profit organization, is the home of U.S. independent industry self-regulation, currently operating more than a dozen globally recognized programs that have been helping enhance consumer trust in business for more than 50 years. These programs provide third-party accountability and dispute resolution services that address existing and emerging industry issues, create a fairer playing field for businesses, and a better experience for consumers. BBB National Programs continues to evolve its work and grow its impact by providing business guidance and fostering best practices in arenas such as advertising, child-and-teen-directed marketing, data privacy, dispute resolution, automobile warranty, technology, and emerging areas. To learn more, visit bbbprograms.org.
About the National Advertising Division: The National Advertising Division (NAD) of BBB National Programs provides independent self-regulation and dispute resolution services, guiding the truthfulness of advertising across the U.S. NAD reviews national advertising in all media and its decisions set consistent standards for advertising truth and accuracy, delivering meaningful protection to consumers and leveling the playing field for business.
Contact:
Jennie Rosenberg
Media Relations
BBB National Programs
press@bbbnp.org
National Advertising Division Recommends Modification of Optimum Internet “Faster Download Speeds Than AT&T Nationwide” Claim
New York, NY – July 28, 2023 – In a challenge brought by AT&T Services, Inc., the National Advertising Division (NAD) of BBB National Programs recommended that Altice USA, Inc. modify its advertising to avoid conveying the message that it has faster download speeds than AT&T in markets where Optimum Internet competes with AT&T.
NAD determined that Altice’s claim, “Optimum has faster download speeds than AT&T nationwide,” in context, reasonably conveys the message that consumers will receive faster speeds nationwide if they switch to Optimum from AT&T, including where both services are available.
NAD noted that, unlike wireless internet, the comparative speed of two fixed internet networks is primarily meaningful to customers who are or plan to be located in a service area in which the two networks overlap.
NAD determined that Altice provided a reasonable basis for the challenged claim by relying on undisputed Ookla Speedtest data that it has faster speeds based on a nationwide average. However, more granular state-wide data submitted by AT&T raised concerns about the actual comparative speed of the two services when looking at their overlapping service area.
NAD concluded that claims of faster download speeds in markets where the services overlap were not substantiated.
NAD found that while Altice’s disclosure “based on analysis by Ookla of Speedtest Intelligence data comparing national median fixed download speeds of Optimum and AT&T Internet, Q4 2022,” does inform consumers of the source of the claim, it does not adequately explain that the claim does not compare speeds in areas where the two services overlap.
NAD recommended that Altice modify its advertising to avoid conveying the message that it has faster download speeds than AT&T in markets where Optimum Internet competes with AT&T.
In its advertiser statement, Altice stated that it “appreciates NAD’s recommendations and will take them into account in future advertising.”
All BBB National Programs case decision summaries can be found in the case decision library. For the full text of NAD, NARB, and CARU decisions, subscribe to the online archive. This release shall not be used for advertising or promotional purposes.
About BBB National Programs: BBB National Programs, a non-profit organization, is the home of U.S. independent industry self-regulation, currently operating more than a dozen globally recognized programs that have been helping enhance consumer trust in business for more than 50 years. These programs provide third-party accountability and dispute resolution services that address existing and emerging industry issues, create a fairer playing field for businesses, and a better experience for consumers. BBB National Programs continues to evolve its work and grow its impact by providing business guidance and fostering best practices in arenas such as advertising, child-and-teen-directed marketing, data privacy, dispute resolution, automobile warranty, technology, and emerging areas. To learn more, visit bbbprograms.org.
About the National Advertising Division: The National Advertising Division (NAD) of BBB National Programs provides independent self-regulation and dispute resolution services, guiding the truthfulness of advertising across the U.S. NAD reviews national advertising in all media and its decisions set consistent standards for advertising truth and accuracy, delivering meaningful protection to consumers and leveling the playing field for business.
Contact Information
Name: Jennie Rosenberg
Email: jrosenberg@bbbnp.org
Job Title: Media Relations
National Advertising Division Finds Certain T-Mobile Device Financing Claims Supported; T-Mobile Appeals Recommendations to Discontinue or Modify Others
New York, NY – July 27, 2023 – In a challenge brought by AT&T Services, Inc., the National Advertising Division (NAD) of BBB National Programs determined that certain claims made by T-Mobile US, Inc. in its “Phone Freedom” advertising campaign were supported. However, NAD recommended that T-Mobile discontinue certain comparative phone upgrade claims and modify claims related to the availability of device deals to both new and existing customers and disclosures used in connection with T-Mobile’s payoff and free phone offers.
The claims at issue appeared in various media, including television commercials, a radio advertisement, and on T-Mobile’s website. To incentivize customers to switch to T-Mobile, the “Phone Freedom” campaign advertises that T-Mobile will pay off a customer’s phone contract and give a free 5G smartphone to customers who switch to T-Mobile’s Go5G Plus Plan.
Upgrade Claims
NAD found T-Mobile’s claim “AT&T & Verizon require three-year device financing to get their best offers & you lose your promo credits if you upgrade after two years” to be supported.
NAD concluded that a message reasonably conveyed by T-Mobile’s claims that “AT&T and Verizon rope you in with phone offers then bind you to a three-year device contract” and “You’re upgrade ready a year earlier” is that AT&T customers financing their phone from AT&T are unable to upgrade their phone until expiration of their three-year phone contract. Because this message overstates an AT&T customer’s inability to upgrade and the upgrade advantage offered by T-Mobile and is not supported by evidence in the record, NAD recommended that these claims be discontinued and that T-Mobile modify its advertising to avoid conveying the unqualified messages that AT&T customers are only able to upgrade their phone every three years and that T-Mobile customers can upgrade their phones one year earlier than AT&T customers.
NAD noted that nothing in its decision prohibits T-Mobile from making truthful claims that its installment plan contracts have a standard two-year term that positions T-Mobile customers to upgrade their phone without a loss of promotional credits one year earlier than AT&T customers who are financing their phone pursuant to a phone deal from AT&T.
New and Existing Customers Claim
NAD evaluated the claim “Introducing Go5G Plus, the first plan that always gives new and existing customers the same great device deals” and determined that customers may reasonably take away a message that T-Mobile’s Go5G Plus plan is the first plan that allows new and existing customers to presently get all the same device deals – a message not supported by the record.
NAD recommended that T-Mobile modify the claim to clearly convey that the Go5G Plus plan is the first plan that provides that future device deals will be equally available to new and existing customers.
Payoff and Free Phone Claims
T-Mobile advertises that it will pay off a customer’s phone contract and give a free 5G smartphone to customers who switch to T-Mobile’s Go5G Plus plan. NAD considered whether T-Mobile adequately discloses material limitations on these offers.
NAD found that T-Mobile sufficiently disclosed in its Locked television commercial that its payoff offer is limited to an amount up to $650 but recommended that T-Mobile modify its radio and website advertisements to disclose the up to $650 limitation in the claim itself or in similar font size and in immediate proximity to the claim.
Further, to avoid conveying a misleading message that T-Mobile will provide a new customer with any of the latest 5G smartphones for free, NAD recommended that T-Mobile clearly and conspicuously disclose the up to $830 price limitation in close conjunction with the free phone claims.
In its advertiser statement, T-Mobile stated that it will appeal NAD’s decision because it believes that “T-Mobile’s advertising truthfully conveys the many benefits available to customers as a result of Phone Freedom.”
Appeals of NAD decisions are made to the BBB National Programs’ National Advertising Review Board (NARB), the appellate truth-in-advertising body of BBB National Programs.
All BBB National Programs case decision summaries can be found in the case decision library. For the full text of NAD, NARB, and CARU decisions, subscribe to the online archive. This release shall not be used for advertising or promotional purposes.
About BBB National Programs: BBB National Programs, a non-profit organization, is the home of U.S. independent industry self-regulation, currently operating more than a dozen globally recognized programs that have been helping enhance consumer trust in business for more than 50 years. These programs provide third-party accountability and dispute resolution services that address existing and emerging industry issues, create a fairer playing field for businesses, and a better experience for consumers. BBB National Programs continues to evolve its work and grow its impact by providing business guidance and fostering best practices in arenas such as advertising, child-and-teen-directed marketing, data privacy, dispute resolution, automobile warranty, technology, and emerging areas. To learn more, visit bbbprograms.org.
About the National Advertising Division: The National Advertising Division (NAD) of BBB National Programs provides independent self-regulation and dispute resolution services, guiding the truthfulness of advertising across the U.S. NAD reviews national advertising in all media and its decisions set consistent standards for advertising truth and accuracy, delivering meaningful protection to consumers and leveling the playing field for business.
Contact:
Jennie Rosenberg
Media Relations
BBB National Programs
press@bbbnp.org
National Advertising Division Finds Dow Jones “Cancel Anytime” Claim for Wall Street Journal Subscription Supported
New York, NY – July 26, 2023 – The National Advertising Division (NAD) of BBB National Programs determined that Dow Jones & Company, Inc. supported its claim of “cancel anytime” relating to the methods by which consumers can cancel their subscription to The Wall Street Journal (WSJ).
Through its routine monitoring program, NAD inquired about the express “cancel anytime” claim as well as the implied claim that consumers can cancel using the method with which they signed up (including online) for their WSJ subscription. Based on guidance in the Federal Trade Commission’s “Bringing Dark Patterns to Light” Report, NAD determined the claim that consumers can “cancel anytime” reasonably conveys the message that cancelling is easy and similar to the ease of subscribing.
At the time the challenge was initiated, WSJ claimed on its website that customers who subscribed online could “cancel anytime.” While WSJ offered online cancellation to certain subscribers, in certain other cases the only way a consumer could cancel their subscription was by calling WSJ.
During the proceeding, WSJ completed its planned expansion of its cancellation procedures to allow for automated online cancellations globally. The new global online cancellation procedure can be accessed directly from the website and a user can cancel one or more Dow Jones subscriptions.
Based on the revised online cancellation mechanism, NAD concluded the advertiser was able to substantiate its “cancel anytime” claim.
In its advertiser statement, Dow Jones & Company stated that it is “pleased with NAD’s recognition that The Wall Street Journal’s online cancellation process is easy, satisfies NAD’s interpretation of ‘cancel anytime,’ and meets consumer expectations.”
All BBB National Programs case decision summaries can be found in the case decision library. For the full text of NAD, NARB, and CARU decisions, subscribe to the online archive. This release shall not be used for advertising or promotional purposes.
About BBB National Programs: BBB National Programs, a non-profit organization, is the home of U.S. independent industry self-regulation, currently operating more than a dozen globally recognized programs that have been helping enhance consumer trust in business for more than 50 years. These programs provide third-party accountability and dispute resolution services that address existing and emerging industry issues, create a fairer playing field for businesses, and a better experience for consumers. BBB National Programs continues to evolve its work and grow its impact by providing business guidance and fostering best practices in arenas such as advertising, child-and-teen-directed marketing, data privacy, dispute resolution, automobile warranty, technology, and emerging areas. To learn more, visit bbbprograms.org.
About the National Advertising Division: The National Advertising Division (NAD) of BBB National Programs provides independent self-regulation and dispute resolution services, guiding the truthfulness of advertising across the U.S. NAD reviews national advertising in all media and its decisions set consistent standards for advertising truth and accuracy, delivering meaningful protection to consumers and leveling the playing field for business.
Contact Information
Name: Jennie Rosenberg
Email: jrosenberg@bbbnp.org
Job Title: Media Relations
LexisNexis® Launches InterAction+™ Cloud CRM Solution with Insights to Drive Relationship Intelligence for Law Firm Growth
Secure cloud functionality, mobile connectivity, modern user experience and interface, with key LexisNexis content integrations support lawyers’ business development needs
RALEIGH, North Carolina/ LONDON, U.K. – July 25, 2023 – LexisNexis® Legal & Professional, a leading provider of information and analytics, today announced the launch of InterAction+™, a new cloud-based legal CRM that unites a feature-rich business development tool with a modern user experience, cloud infrastructure, and exclusive content from LexisNexis® to help lawyers manage relationships and identify opportunities and at-risk clients.
Many law firms struggle to proactively uncover new business opportunities while trying to mitigate at-risk clients and secure their business. InterAction+ delivers actionable insights from Context Company Analytics that provide predictive data analytics to address these issues. US customers can view litigation events by firm, practice area, and jurisdictions for users’ clients and prospects in an easily digestible format. With an at-a-glance dashboard, InterAction+ allows users to quickly identify relationships at risk, clients with low engagement and others that need immediate attention.
Over the coming months, InterAction+ will continue to add new features and content integrations, including news and company information from LexisNexis® Legal News and LexisNexis® Dossier.
“Law firms of all sizes are facing more competition than ever, and technology is a necessary priority to help secure business,” said Sean Fitzpatrick, CEO, LexisNexis UK and North America. “InterAction+ combines the power of a legal CRM with exclusive content from LexisNexis®, allowing law firms to stay ahead of the competition.”
The InterAction+ solution offers anytime-anywhere access, data security, and a solution for firms of all sizes. Some of the many InterAction+ features and benefits, with exclusive LexisNexis® content, include:
- Modern User Interface: Improved layout and design simplifies navigation and improves readability by surfacing essential insights and tasks for a better overall user experience.
- InterAction+™ Home: At-a-glance dashboard highlights connections that are weak, at risk, and have low engagement to quickly identify collaboration opportunities and take actionable steps.
- Context: Integrated data from Context, shows litigation events by firm, practice area, and jurisdictions for users’ clients and prospects to inform business development opportunities.
- Daily Digest: Capture important tasks and activities in a daily configurable email that prioritizes business development and allows the addition of new tasks without interrupting users’ workflow.
- Mobile: Easily access, from a smart device, client relationship intelligence and litigation opportunities with exclusive LexisNexis content from anywhere you work.
With the introduction of InterAction+, customers will have the choice of where data is stored. InterAction+ is a cloud offering, encompassing both the hybrid cloud and full cloud solutions. With the hybrid cloud solution, customers manage their data, and with the full cloud solution, LexisNexis stores data on behalf of customers.
For more information on InterAction+ please visit interaction.com.
About LexisNexis Legal & Professional
LexisNexis® Legal & Professional provides legal, regulatory, and business information and analytics that help customers increase their productivity, improve decision-making, achieve better outcomes, and advance the rule of law around the world. As a digital pioneer, the company was the first to bring legal and business information online with its Lexis® and Nexis® services. LexisNexis Legal & Professional, which serves customers in more than 150 countries with 11,300 employees worldwide, is part of RELX, a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers.
Media Contacts:
Jayme Soulati
LexisNexis InterAction
Jayme.Soulati@lexisnexis.com
+1 937 232 2529
National Advertising Division Finds Certain Carbohydrate Claims for Olé Mexican Foods Tortillas Supported; Recommends Discontinuation of Other Claims
New York, NY – July 24, 2023 – The National Advertising Division (NAD) of BBB National Programs determined that Olé Mexican Foods, Inc. provided a reasonable basis for total carbohydrate amounts, some net carbohydrate amounts, and carb effective calculations advertised on its product packaging and website for its La Banderita and Xtreme Wellness tortillas.
However, NAD recommended that Olé discontinue:
- Any claims that its products have “0 net carbs per serving,” are “keto net zero” and any effective carb count calculations that indicate 0 net carbohydrates per serving for any products that have more than .5 grams of net carbs; and
- The “Carb Lean” claim found on the product labeling and website for the La Banderita Carb Counter product and certain Xtreme Wellness products.
The claims at issue were challenged by Gruma Corporation. Both Gruma and Olé manufacture and sell “low” or “no” net carbohydrate products.
Total Carbohydrate Claims
NAD noted that the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) recognizes the variability in natural ingredients in the packaged food industry that leads to variations in nutritional content and makes allowances for the discrepancies that may result. Therefore, the FDA allows for a 20% variance from the amount of total carbohydrates declared on the label.
NAD determined that while the testing provided by Olé shows that the total carbohydrate amount differs from that advertised on the product packaging, these differences fall within the range FDA deems reasonable.
Accordingly, NAD found that the total carbohydrate amounts advertised on the product packaging and website for La Banderita and Xtreme Wellness tortillas are supported because they are within the variation allowed within the industry.
Net Carbohydrate Claims
Gruma also challenged Olé’s net carbohydrate claims including the express “net carbs per serving” declaration on the front and back of each tortilla’s packaging and the “effective carb count per tortilla” calculation on the back of each product’s packaging.
Considering the variation in nutritional makeup inherent in ingredients and the fact that the FDA and packaged food industry accept and acknowledge these variations, NAD found that Olé provided a reasonable basis for its net carbohydrate declarations and carb effective calculations on certain La Banderita and Xtreme Wellness tortilla packaging.
Regarding the claims on Olé’s La Banderita Carb Counter Street Taco tortilla packaging that it has “0 net carbs per serving” and is “keto net zero,” NAD determined that consumers would reasonably expect that “0 net carb” claims mean that the product has less than .5 grams of net carbs. Therefore, NAD recommended that Olé discontinue any claims that its products have “0 net carbs per serving,” are “keto net zero,” and any effective carb count calculations that indicate 0 net carbohydrates per serving for any products that have more than .5 grams of net carbs.
Carb Lean Claim
NAD concluded that the term “Carb Lean” in the context of tortilla packaging reasonably conveys the message that the product is either low in total carbohydrates or low in net carbohydrates. In the absence of any explanation about how the carbohydrate numbers in Olé’s testing substantiate these claims, NAD recommended Olé discontinue the “Carb Lean” claim on certain product packaging and on the website.
In its advertiser statement, Olé stated that it will “discontinue use of ‘carb lean’ claims” despite its disagreement with NAD’s conclusion, and that it will “comply with NAD’s recommendation concerning making ‘zero net carb’ claims where it possesses substantiation consistent with FDA’s rounding rules.”
All BBB National Programs case decision summaries can be found in the case decision library. For the full text of NAD, NARB, and CARU decisions, subscribe to the online archive. This release shall not be used for advertising or promotional purposes.
About BBB National Programs: BBB National Programs, a non-profit organization, is the home of U.S. independent industry self-regulation, currently operating more than a dozen globally recognized programs that have been helping enhance consumer trust in business for more than 50 years. These programs provide third-party accountability and dispute resolution services that address existing and emerging industry issues, create a fairer playing field for businesses, and a better experience for consumers. BBB National Programs continues to evolve its work and grow its impact by providing business guidance and fostering best practices in arenas such as advertising, child-and-teen-directed marketing, data privacy, dispute resolution, automobile warranty, technology, and emerging areas. To learn more, visit bbbprograms.org.
About the National Advertising Division: The National Advertising Division (NAD) of BBB National Programs provides independent self-regulation and dispute resolution services, guiding the truthfulness of advertising across the U.S. NAD reviews national advertising in all media and its decisions set consistent standards for advertising truth and accuracy, delivering meaningful protection to consumers and leveling the playing field for business.
Contact Information
Name: Jennie Rosenberg
Email: jrosenberg@bbbnp.org
Job Title: Media Relations
California’s Stars come out to shine at 2023 MICHELIN Guide Ceremony
- Six eateries receive one MICHELIN Star for first time
- Inspectors award four new Green Stars, bringing state total to 15
- 87 total restaurants earn MICHELIN Stars – six with three Stars
- Selection comprises 614 restaurants and 61 types of cuisine
OAKLAND, Calif., July 18, 2023 — The 2023 edition of the MICHELIN Guide California touts six new one-MICHELIN-Star establishments and four new Green Star restaurants.
Aphotic and Heritage each were awarded one MICHELIN Star, plus a Green Star. Providence returns as a two-MICHELIN-Star restaurant in 2023, but now with the Green Star added to its accolades. Pomet received a MICHELIN Green Star as a Recommended restaurant. California now has 15 of the 17 Green-Starred restaurants in North America.
“California is spectacular year-round, but we are thrilled to announce the 2023 edition in the summertime,” said Gwendal Poullennec, the International Director of the MICHELIN Guides. “This year we welcome six newcomers to the family of MICHELIN-Starred restaurants. These are truly world-class establishments serving outstanding cuisine.
“In addition, our inspectors found four restaurant teams worthy of the MICHELIN Green Star. In California, gourmets and travelers can find sustainable and inspiring cuisine by land or by sea, showcasing the best of what lands and seasons can offer. These establishments – and the Golden State as a whole – are truly role models of environmentally conscious gastronomy.”
Here are the new one-MICHELIN-Star restaurants, with inspector notes from each (inspectors’ comments in full on the MICHELIN Guide website and mobile app):
One MICHELIN Star
Aphotic (San Francisco; Seafood)
Aptly named after the ocean’s sunless depths, this vast, tenebrous space is leagues away from the mundane, offering a rarefied pescatarian tasting menu that abounds with personality. Chef Peter Hemsley takes full advantage of California’s coastal bounty, sourcing exceptional seafood from small sustainable purveyors and utilizing techniques like dry aging and fermentation to maximum effect.
Auro (Calistoga; Contemporary cuisine)
Soak up the bucolic splendor of Napa’s northern reaches at the Four Seasons resort, the ideal setting for this au courant embodiment of classic Wine Country fine dining. Thanks to skills honed in some of the Bay Area’s most notable kitchens, Chef Rogelio Garcia displays a distinctly Californian perspective, using precise technique in order to highlight exceptional ingredients — most of which are sourced locally, including from on-site gardens.
Chez Noir (Carmel-By-The-Sea; Contemporary cuisine)
If Chef Jonny and his wife, Monique Black (who oversees the service team), make you feel as if you’re being invited into their own home, well, that’s because the second floor of this Craftsman-style residence is their home. The two have an abundance of fine dining bona fides, but here they aim for a more approachable feel. The cooking draws upon French bistro fare and showcases the bounty of the California coast, with seafood, like spot-on sea bass and swoon-worthy abalone, making a big impression.
Heritage (Long Beach; Californian cuisine)
Set in a converted Craftsman in the historic Rose Park neighborhood, this inviting locale is removed from the hustle and bustle of Long Beach. Brother-and-sister duo Philip and Lauren Pretty run the kitchen and front of house, respectively, curating an experience that’s relaxed, but gets the details just right. On offer is a single multicourse tasting (priced quite reasonably) that highlights top-notch ingredients, including produce sourced from their nearby farm.
Nari (San Francisco; Thai cuisine)
This sleek retreat located within Hotel Kabuki delivers a one-two punch with a dramatic setting and accomplished cooking. Chef Pim Techamuanvivit’s personality and laser-focused palate come through in dishes that utilize fantastic Californian ingredients through a distinct, contemporary Thai lens. Dishes are family style, albeit with a touch of refinement. Intensely aromatic curries achieve a marvelous complexity, as in a brick red bumbai curry with crispy fried eggplant, served with an ethereally flaky roti bread.
Valle (Oceanside; Mexican cuisine)
Celebrated chef Roberto Alcocer brings his refined, modern expression of Mexican cuisine stateside at this elegant space in the Mission Pacific Hotel, overlooking the scenic Oceanside Pier. Diners can make selections from a four-course prix fixe, or leave things entirely in the kitchen’s hands for an eight-course tasting. Dishes strike a winning balance between tradition with creativity, as in a tetela made with heirloom corn masa and hoja santa, filled with juicy chanterelle mushrooms and creamy goat cheese, and paired with a complex salsa of morita chiles — at once earthy and bright.
MICHELIN Green Star
Aphotic (San Francisco; Seafood)
Chef’s vision: Our core objective is to know and source directly from fishermen and aquaculture partners. We personally drive the fish in from satellite ports all around the Bay Area and fly fresh seafood in from trusted partners in San Diego.
Heritage (Long Beach; Californian cuisine)
Chefs’ vision: We grow our own produce at our farm; as well as source from local farmers markets; we work with local partners including a bakery and a seamstress for staff aprons. Our meat and seafood are all sustainably sourced from California.
Pomet (Oakland; Californian cuisine)
Chef’s vision: The team here unites the owner of a family-owned farm K & J Orchards and Chef Alan Hsu; we work with regenerative ranchers for our beef, lamb, pork, chicken; wood pruned from the farms or retired trees are used in our wood fire oven.
Providence (Los Angeles; Seafood)
Chef’s vision: Providence showcases a true and unwavering commitment to all aspects of sustainability in every shape and way possible. Pushing the boundaries of sustainable seafood practices by committing to only use wild-caught, sustainable products, growing an on-site rooftop garden, and a zero-waste bean-to-dessert chocolate program.
Bib Gourmand
The MICHELIN Guide inspectors added 10 restaurants to the Bib Gourmand list, which recognizes eateries for great food at a great value: Bansang, Bombera, Carnes Asadas Pancho Lopez, Cobi’s, Eat Joy Food, Mabel’s Gone Fishing, Maligne, Petiscos, Snail Bar and Villa’s Tacos.
Special Awards
In addition to the Bib Gourmands and Stars, the Guide announced four special awards:
The MICHELIN Guide Ceremony is presented with the support of Capital One. Transportation provided by Lucid Motors.
Hotels
The California restaurant selection joins the MICHELIN Guide selection of hotels, which features the most unique and exciting places to stay in California and around the world.
Every hotel in the Guide is chosen for its extraordinary style, service, and personality — with options for all budgets — and each hotel can be booked directly through the MICHELIN Guide website and app. The selection for California features the state’s most spectacular hotels, including sustainability pioneers like Napa’s Carneros Resort and the Ranch at Laguna Beach, standouts from our “Plus” collection like the Madrona in Healdsburg and the Aster in Los Angeles, beachfront bohemia like Surfrider Malibu and Cambria Beach Lodge, desert oases like Holiday House Palm Springs, and even The Charlie, a collection of English-style bungalows in L.A. that was once owned by Charlie Chaplin.
The MICHELIN Guide is a benchmark in gastronomy. Now it’s setting a new standard for hotels. Visit the MICHELIN Guide website, or download the free app for iOS and Android, to discover every restaurant in the selection and book an unforgettable hotel.
The 2023 MICHELIN Guide California selection:
California’s 2023 MICHELIN-Starred restaurants
California’s 2023 MICHELIN-Green-Starred restaurants
California’s 2023 Bib Gourmand restaurants
About Michelin North America, Inc.
Michelin, the leading mobility company, is working with tires, around tires and beyond tires to enable Motion for Life. Dedicated to enhancing its clients’ mobility and sustainability, Michelin designs and distributes the most suitable tires, services and solutions for its customers’ needs. Michelin provides digital services, maps and guides to help enrich travel and make them unique experiences. Bringing its expertise to new markets, the company is investing in high-technology materials, 3D printing and hydrogen, to serve a wide variety of industries — from aerospace to biotech. Headquartered in Greenville, South Carolina, Michelin North America has approximately 23,000 employees and operates 34 production facilities in the United States and Canada. (michelinman.com)
About Capital One
At Capital One we’re on a mission for our customers – bringing them best-in-class products, rewards, service, and experiences. Capital One is a diversified bank that offers products and services to individuals, small businesses and commercial clients. We use technology, innovation, and interaction to provide consumers with products and services to meet their needs. Through Capital One Dining and Capital One Entertainment, we provide our rewards cardholders with access to unforgettable experiences in the areas they’re passionate about, including dining, music and sports. Learn more at capitalone.com/dining and capitalone.com/entertainment.
For more information, contact:
Andrew Festa
Michelin North America
andrew.festa@michelin.com
Devon Gunn
Capital One
devon.gunn@capitalone.com
Phone: 571-308-4762
NAD Finds Where Food Comes From CARE Certified Program Animal Welfare Claim Supported through Use of CARE Certified Seal on Beef and Pork Labels
NAD Finds Where Food Comes From CARE Certified Program Animal Welfare Claim Supported through Use of CARE Certified Seal on Beef and Pork Labels
New York, NY – July 12, 2023 – The National Advertising Division (NAD) of BBB National Programs determined that Where Food Comes From, Inc. (WFCF) provided a reasonable basis for the implied animal welfare claim communicated through its “CARE Certified” Encircled Heart Seal on beef and pork labels and in advertising its certification for these products.
WFCF is an independent, publicly traded, third-party food verification company that offers its own certification programs including the CARE Certified program, which develops animal welfare standards for various industries, including beef (BeefCARE) and pork (PorkCARE), as well as third-party auditing services.
The implied claim at issue was challenged by Animal Welfare Institute, a Washington, DC-based nonprofit with the mission of seeking better treatment of animals everywhere.
NAD determined that WFCF’s CARE Certified logo/seal reasonably communicates, to a substantial percentage of consumers, that the treatment or living conditions of animals used to produce beef/pork products bearing the CARE Certified logo/seal exceed conventional industry standards for the treatment or care of animals.
NAD considered the evidence in the record and determined that the industry standard for beef production is represented by the Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) certification of the national Beef Checkoff program and industry standard for pork production is represented by the Common Swine Industry Audit (CSIA), which is a voluntary audit program that utilizes the swine industry’s training and education program, Pork Quality Assurance Plus (PQA Plus).
NAD concluded that the CARE Certified verification and auditing of standards, coupled with other areas in which CARE Certified standards exceed those of BQA and PQA/CSIA, demonstrate that CARE Certified standards sufficiently exceed baseline industry standards.
Therefore, NAD found WFCF’s use of its CARE Certified seal in its current form and in the context in which it appears on WFCF’s products to be substantiated.
In its advertiser statement, Where Food Comes From stated that it “is pleased with NAD’s decision.” WFCF further stated that it “is proud of the CARE Certified program and appreciates NAD’s acknowledgment of the program’s rigor, including with respect to its animal care standards and compliance verification.”
All BBB National Programs case decision summaries can be found in the case decision library. For the full text of NAD, NARB, and CARU decisions, subscribe to the online archive.
This press release shall not be used for advertising or promotional purposes.
About BBB National Programs: BBB National Programs, a non-profit organization, is the home of U.S. independent industry self-regulation, currently operating more than a dozen globally recognized programs that have been helping enhance consumer trust in business for more than 50 years. These programs provide third-party accountability and dispute resolution services that address existing and emerging industry issues, create a fairer playing field for businesses, and a better experience for consumers. BBB National Programs continues to evolve its work and grow its impact by providing business guidance and fostering best practices in arenas such as advertising, child-and-teen-directed marketing, data privacy, dispute resolution, automobile warranty, technology, and emerging areas. To learn more, visit bbbprograms.org.
About the National Advertising Division: The National Advertising Division (NAD) of BBB National Programs provides independent self-regulation and dispute resolution services, guiding the truthfulness of advertising across the U.S. NAD reviews national advertising in all media and its decisions set consistent standards for advertising truth and accuracy, delivering meaningful protection to consumers and leveling the playing field for business.
Contact Information
Name: Jennie Rosenberg
Email: jrosenberg@bbbnp.org
Job Title: Media Relations
BBB National Programs’ Statement on Adoption of Adequacy for the EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework
McLean, VA – July 11, 2023 – Dona Fraser, BBB National Programs’ Senior Vice President, Privacy Initiatives, issued the following statement today on the European Commission’s official adoption of its adequacy decision for the EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework (EU-US DPF):
“Adequacy is the gold standard of transfer mechanisms under the GDPR. We commend the White House, the U.S. Department of Commerce, and the European Commission for achieving this remarkable and transformative milestone that propels the transatlantic economy forward and presents countless opportunities for businesses across diverse sectors.
As the longest-running Independent Recourse Mechanism (IRM) provider, the first recognized under Privacy Shield, trusted for more than 20 years by businesses of all sizes, we view this formal adoption of adequacy as an achievement that not only fosters trust in data security but also bolsters the economic ties between the European Union and the United States.
Today, the Data Privacy Framework is effective and, with appropriate instruction from the U.S. Department of Commerce, businesses can once again seamlessly transfer personal data from the EU to the U.S in compliance with EU law and we look forward to supporting those businesses in our IRM under this new Framework.
For the more than 5,000 businesses maintaining their self-certification under Privacy Shield, we want to assure you that we are fully prepared to facilitate your seamless transition to this new Framework, and we guarantee companies currently participating in BBB EU Privacy Shield will experience uninterrupted continuity of service in their transition to our EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework program. Upholding the highest operational standards for businesses and safeguarding consumer rights has always been our priority.
We also extend a warm welcome to businesses that have temporarily paused their Privacy Shield self-certification, inviting them to join our program once again.”
Read the European Commission’s press release here. Learn more about the BBB National Programs Global Privacy Division here. Schedule a consultation with the Global Privacy Division here.
About BBB National Programs: BBB National Programs is where businesses turn to enhance consumer trust and consumers are heard. The non-profit organization creates a fairer playing field for businesses and a better experience for consumers through the development and delivery of effective third-party accountability and dispute resolution programs. BBB National Programs oversees more than a dozen leading national industry self-regulation programs, and continues to evolve its work and grow its impact by providing business guidance and fostering best practices in arenas such as advertising, child-directed marketing, dispute resolution, automobile warranty, privacy, and emerging areas. To learn more, visit bbbprograms.org.
About BBB National Programs Global Privacy Division: BBB National Programs Global Privacy Division helps businesses show their partners and customers that they put privacy first, no matter where they operate. Our programs serve as key elements of the Cross-Border Privacy Rules and Privacy Shield frameworks, bridging gaps between divergent privacy and data protection regimes. By embracing our independent accountability mechanisms, participating businesses strengthen standards for data privacy and enhance consumer trust in the digital marketplace.
Contact Information
Name: Jennie Rosenberg
Email: jrosenberg@bbbnp.org
Job Title: Media Relations