New York, NY – November 28, 2023 – A panel of the National Advertising Review Board (NARB), the appellate advertising body of BBB National Programs, recommended that Mint Mobile, LLC discontinue or modify the claim that its Unlimited plan is “now just $15/mo.”
The advertising at issue had been challenged by AT&T Services, Inc. before the National Advertising Division (NAD) as part of NAD’s Fast Track SWIFT expedited challenge process, designed for single-issue advertising cases. Following NAD’s decision (Case No. 7250), Mint Mobile appealed NAD’s recommendations.
Mint Mobile offers prepaid phone plans, which, unlike those offered by AT&T and other major wireless carriers, require customers to pay upfront before receiving service. Mint Mobile’s $15/mo. price for its Unlimited plan is a promotional rate that is only in effect for three months. After three months of service, the monthly rate increases, with the exact amount of the increase dependent on which plan the consumer selects.
At issue in the Fast-Track SWIFT challenge and appeal is whether the nature of Mint Mobile’s promotional offer was adequately disclosed.
In banner ads, on social media, and in a television commercial, Mint Mobile advertised that the price of its Unlimited plan is “now just $15/mo.” The NARB panel determined that the claim in the various advertisements conveyed that the $15/mo. price is a permanent price for Mint Mobile’s unlimited phone plans that were previously $30 to $35/mo., depending on the duration of the plan.
Further, in agreement with NAD, the NARB panel found that the current disclosure appearing in the advertisements does not meet the well understood standard requiring clear and conspicuous disclosure of material limitations for an advertised price offer. Accordingly, the disclosure was inadequate to modify the misleading claim that Mint Mobile has reduced the price of its unlimited plan to $15/month going forward.
The NARB panel recommended that Mint Mobile discontinue the claim that its Unlimited plan is “now just $15/mo.” or clearly and conspicuously disclose that the offer is a promotional or introductory offer for the first three months of service as part of the main claim or in similar size text and font in close proximity to the main claim.
Mint Mobile stated that while the challenged advertising was discontinued last month, Mint Mobile is committed to the self-regulatory process and will comply with NARB’s decision should it use the challenged claim again.
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.
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 Review Board (NARB): The National Advertising Review Board (NARB) is the appellate body for BBB National Programs’ advertising self-regulatory programs. NARB’s panel members include 85 distinguished volunteer professionals from the national advertising industry, agencies, and public members, such as academics and former members of the public sector. NARB serves as a layer of independent industry peer review that helps engender trust and compliance in NAD, CARU, and DSSRC matters.
Contact Information
Name: Jennie Rosenberg
Email: jrosenberg@bbbnp.org
Job Title: Media Relations
National Advertising Review Board Recommends Modifications to Coca-Cola’s “50% More Electrolytes” Claims
New York, NY – Nov. 27, 2023 – A panel of the National Advertising Review Board (NARB), the appellate advertising body of BBB National Programs, recommended that The Coca-Cola Company:
- Modify the claim “50% more electrolytes vs. the leading sports drink” to state “50% more electrolytes vs. Gatorade Thirst Quencher”; and
- Modify its video advertising to avoid conveying the implied message that the 50% increase in electrolytes in Powerade provides increased performance benefits and/or superior athletic performance relative to the Gatorade Thirst Quencher product.
In the underlying decision, NAD concluded that Coca-Cola’s “50% more electrolytes” claims overstated the significance of the nutrient difference and reasonably conveyed the implied messages that Powerade provides better performance and hydration than Gatorade. The NARB panel reached a different conclusion in regard to the packaging and social media claims.
The advertising at issue had been challenged by Stokely-Van Camp, manufacturer of Gatorade. Following NAD’s decision (Case No. 7198), Coca-Cola appealed NAD’s decision in its entirety. Until recently, both Powerade and Gatorade Thirst Quencher had the same electrolyte content. Earlier this year, Coca-Cola introduced a reformulated product that both parties agree contains 50% more electrolytes (sodium and potassium) than Gatorade Thirst Quencher.
Label Claim
The NARB panel concluded that in the context of the “50% more electrolytes vs. the leading sports drink” claim made on the Powerade label, the claim of 50% more electrolytes than a referenced product does not on its own imply superior performance benefits as compared to the referenced drink. The claim merely provides truthful information regarding the comparative amount of electrolytes in each sports drink.
However, because it was unclear which specific Gatorade product is referenced, the NARB panel recommended that Coca-Cola change its label to “50% more electrolytes vs. Gatorade Thirst Quencher” to clarify its valid comparative quantitative electrolyte claim.
Social Media Claims
The NARB panel found that the challenged social media posts simply provide consumers with quantitative information regarding the increase in electrolytes in Powerade and the quantity of electrolytes in Powerade vs. Gatorade Thirst Quencher. Further, the NARB panel did not find that the strong-arm emoji in the context of the comparative post communicates a superiority claim, but merely draws attention to the fact that Powerade increased its electrolytes, which are the core beneficial ingredients in any sports drink.
Video Commercial Claims
The NARB panel found that the challenged commercials link young athletes drinking Powerade with 50% more electrolytes before and during their lengthy workouts to achieving success as college athletes. Accordingly, the NARB panel determined that the commercials communicate to at least a significant minority of reasonable consumers that the 50% increase in electrolytes in Powerade provides increased performance benefits and/or superior athletic performance relative to the Gatorade Thirst Quencher product.
Because this message was not supported by the evidence in the record, the NARB panel recommended that Coca-Cola modify its video advertising to avoid conveying such a message.
Coca-Cola stated that it “applauds NARB’s determination that its ‘50% more electrolytes’ claim ‘provides truthful information’ to consumers, and will comply with NARB’s recommendation to indicate that Powerade has 50% more electrolytes than ‘Gatorade Thirst Quencher,’ rather than just ‘the leading sports drink,’ when making the claim. The challenged video advertisement is no longer being disseminated, but Coca-Cola will take NARB’s guidance into account when crafting new commercials for Powerade.”
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.
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 Review Board (NARB): The National Advertising Review Board (NARB) is the appellate body for BBB National Programs’ advertising self-regulatory programs. NARB’s panel members include 85 distinguished volunteer professionals from the national advertising industry, agencies, and public members, such as academics and former members of the public sector. NARB serves as a layer of independent industry peer review that helps engender trust and compliance in NAD, CARU, and DSSRC matters.
Contact Information
Name: Jennie Rosenberg
Email: jrosenberg@bbbnp.org
Job Title: Media Relations
National Advertising Review Board Recommends Dr. Squatch Discontinue Jukebox “Detergent” Claims; Finds Jukebox Soap “Natural” Claims Supported
New York, NY – November 22, 2023 – A panel of the National Advertising Review Board (NARB), the appellate advertising body of BBB National Programs, recommended that Dr. Squatch, LLC discontinue referring to products that may compete with its Jukebox Soap products as consisting of, containing, or being detergents. However, the NARB panel determined that Dr. Squatch provided a reasonable basis for its “natural” claims for Jukebox Soap.
Dr. Squatch’s Jukebox brand distinguishes itself from competing bars and cleansers as “real” soap made with natural ingredients. The advertising at issue had been challenged by Unilever U.S., Inc., manufacturer of Dove brand cleansers and body washes. Following a decision by the National Advertising Division (NAD) (Case No. 7195), Dr. Squatch appealed and Unilever cross-appealed.
Detergent Claims
In agreement with NAD, the NARB panel concluded that referring to competitive products as being or containing detergents communicates the unsupported message that competitive products are harsh to the skin. The NARB panel further agreed with NAD that consumers are not likely aware of the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) technical definitions, and accordingly, it is misleading for Dr. Squatch to refer to the FDA’s definition in referencing competing products as “synthetic detergents.”
Natural Claims
In agreement with NAD, the NARB panel concluded that Dr. Squatch provided a reasonable basis for its “natural” claims. In so finding, the NARB panel noted that:
- An analysis of consumer expectation is the proper standard for what is or is not natural.
- Saponification would be regarded by reasonable consumers as minimal processing, and therefore consistent with identifying the product as natural.
- Jukebox products are made almost entirely from natural or naturally derived ingredients.
Claims about Jukebox’s Leadership
In the underlying decision, NAD recommended that the statement “Who run the world? Girls” in conjunction with the statement “From our world-class natural perfumers and in-house artisan soap makers to our bubbly leadership, we’re a band of music & soap-lovin’ ladies” be modified to avoid conveying the message that Jukebox is a women-run brand. The NARB panel determined that NAD reached the correct conclusion on this issue.
During the appeal, Dr. Squatch presented the NARB panel with modified advertising in which the heading “Who run the world? Girls?” has been replaced with “Meet the Band.” The NARB panel concluded that the revised advertising communicates a different message than the claim language that had been challenged and is properly supported because it refers to the hands-on, directly responsible personnel who, based on the evidence, are primarily women.
Dr. Squatch stated that it “appreciates NARB’s careful review of the record in this appeal and will comply with the recommendations made by NAD and NARB in its 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.
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 Review Board (NARB): The National Advertising Review Board (NARB) is the appellate body for BBB National Programs’ advertising self-regulatory programs. NARB’s panel members include 85 distinguished volunteer professionals from the national advertising industry, agencies, and public members, such as academics and former members of the public sector. NARB serves as a layer of independent industry peer review that helps engender trust and compliance in NAD, CARU, and DSSRC matters.
Contact:
Jennie Rosenberg
Media Relations
BBB National Programs
press@bbbnp.org
BEEAH enters strategic partnership with KSA’s SIRC and ALMQR, establishing a sustainable waste management company to advance circularity in Madinah
BEEAH, the Middle East’s leading sustainability and digitalisation pioneer, the Saudi Investment Recycling Company (SIRC), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF); and Al-Maqar Development Company (ALMQR), the investment arm of the Municipality of Madinah, have signed an agreement to establish a limited liability company that will develop and provide integrated waste management solutions in the Province, from collection of waste at the source through to treatment, recycling and disposal in the general landfill.
The signing ceremony, which took place earlier this week in the city of Yanbu, was witnessed by His Royal Highness Prince Faisal bin Salman bin AbdulAziz Al-Saud, Governor of Madinah Province, in the presence of His Excellency Eng. Abdulrahman bin Abdulmohsen Al-Fadley, Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, and His Excellency Eng. Fahad bin Mohammed Albelaihshi, Secretary of Madinah Province. The agreement was signed by Khaled Al Huraimel, Group CEO of BEEAH, Eng. Ziyad AlShiha, Group CEO of SIRC, and Majed Alshalhoob, CEO of ALMQR.
Speaking on the partnership, Khaled Al Huraimel, Group CEO of BEEAH, said: “We are pleased to partner with SIRC and ALMQR, two institutions leading the way in the areas of circularity and urban development. BEEAH looks forward to drawing from our experience in waste management in the Holy City of Madinah and in the UAE, where we have achieved several regional firsts. By combining our strengths with SIRC and ALMQR, we look forward to achieving new benchmarks in sustainable waste management, supporting the development of thriving communities, shaping the circular economy and progressing towards a zero-waste to landfill future in the Province of Madinah.”
As per the agreement, BEEAH, SIRC and ALMQR will work together to drive innovation and efficiencies across the waste management value chain, from waste collection to waste treatment and enhanced material recovery. Ultimately, the partnership aims to foster the circular economy while shaping a cleaner and greener province in alignment with KSA Vision 2030 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Speaking about the partnership, Eng. Ziyad AlShiha, Group CEO of SIRC, said: “Creating local and global partnerships are key to innovation and investing in circular economy solutions. The Holy City of Madinah is an important area for the Kingdom and for SIRC, as we work to drive the circular economy. Through this partnership with ALMQR and BEEAH, we look forward to implementing advanced solutions and leveraging recycling best practices to uncover value across the waste management chain in Madinah.”
In 2020, BEEAH partnered with the Municipality of Madinah to oversee waste management in the North, West and East regions of the Holy City. BEEAH has already implemented a range of solutions encompassing waste collection, transportation, sterilisation, and disinfection of waste containers. These operations are facilitated by a substantial workforce of thousands of skilled professionals and best-in-class equipment, including waste collection trucks and street sweepers.
After it was founded in 2007, BEEAH began its waste management operations in the emirate of Sharjah, where it has steadily grown an integrated, digitally-enabled waste management ecosystem that has positioned the organisation as an industry leader in the region. From waste collection operations powered by a digital fleet optimisation platform and a network of RFID-tagged bins to integrated, digitally-tracked material recovery across 10 specialised facilities and waste-to-energy innovation, BEEAH has achieved a 90% landfill waste diversion rate in the emirate of Sharjah, the highest in the region. By expanding regionally through partnerships and collaboration, BEEAH is scaling its waste management solutions and innovations to contribute to circularity and a sustainable future in the UAE, KSA and across the Middle East.
Contact Information
Name: Mohamed Salim Allawi
Email: mallawy@beeahgroup.com
Job Title: Media Relations Specialist
National Advertising Division Inquiry Leads to Removal of Glow Fairy Advertisement on Beauty Website
New York, NY – November 21, 2023 – Through its advertising monitoring program, BBB National Programs’ National Advertising Division (NAD) inquired about Glow Fairy advertising on the Beauty and Style Daily website, which included the claim “2023’s ‘5 Best’ Eye Creams on the Market.”
NAD’s inquiry focused on whether the format of the challenged advertising reasonably communicated that the Glow Fairy product recommendations on Beauty and Style Daily were independent editorial endorsements or advertisements.
Toward the end of the inquiry, the hyperlink connecting the Beauty and Style website and the Glow Fairy website was removed and the site became non-functional.
During its inquiry, NAD found that there was no disclosure that the Beauty and Style Daily site was advertising Glow Fairy products. Yet the top recommended product on its website was a Glow Fairy product and the links to purchase other products led consumers to the Glow Fairy website. Further, the “About us” hyperlink at the bottom of the Beauty and Style webpage directed consumers to the Glow Fairy website.
NAD noted that consumers should understand when digital publishers have a relationship with a brand they are promoting and when the content they are viewing is advertising. This enables consumers to better distinguish between editorial and advertising content.
NAD cautioned Glow Fairy to disclose when it is advertising and avoid displaying advertising content as independent editorial endorsements.
In its advertiser statement, Glow Fairy stated that it “will comply with NAD’s recommendation” and indicated that it “has stepped up efforts to monitor claims made by third-parties in hopes of furthering efforts to prevent misleading claims and maintaining brand integrity.”
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:
Jennie Rosenberg
Media Relations
BBB National Programs
press@bbbnp.org
LexisNexis Wins Two AMEC Awards for Global Communication Excellence
The International Awards Program Recognizes Best Practices in Research, Measurement, Insight, and Analysis
November 20, 2023 — NEW YORK CITY, NY — LexisNexis Legal & Professional, a leading provider of content and technology solutions, has been awarded two bronze awards by the International Association of Measurement and Evaluation of Communication (AMEC). Now in its 21st year, the global awards program recognizes and celebrates the importance of research, measurement, insights, and analytics.
“Being recognized in these categories reflects not only the achievements and results of our clients, but the trust they put in our team to deliver against their communication goals,” said Jean-Christophe Lahary, Head of Project and Solution Management team at LexisNexis. “It’s rewarding to have our contributions recognized by AMEC.”
These efforts were led by the company’s Nexis® Media Intelligence and Research & Analytics service. The service combines media metrics and human analysis to understand how traditional and social media performance contributes to an organization’s goals and objectives.
LexisNexis was awarded in each category it was a finalist for, including:
- Best Use of a Measurement Framework (LexisNexis & TUI– Building and measuring trust in TUI with regionalised PR)
- Best Use of New Technology in Communications Measurement (LexisNexis & Porter Novelli, Almond Board of California– Coverage metrics made modern and precise at Almond Board of California)
For more information about the awards, visit https://amecorg.com/awards/winners-2023/
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.
About the AMEC
AMEC is the world’s largest media intelligence and insights professional body, representing organisations and practitioners who provide media evaluation and communication research. AMEC has grown from seven members to nearly 200 in its 25th anniversary year, representing organisations based in 86+ countries, and more than 1,000 professionals dedicated to measurement and evaluation best practices across the globe. AMEC thinks and operates internationally, forming working groups from different countries to work together on new initiatives, all reinforced by its vibrant chapters in Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America and North America.
For more information about Nexis® Media Intelligence Solutions visit
www.lexisnexis.com/mediaintelligence
Media Contact:
Leela Bozonelis
leela.bozonelis@lexisnexis.com
+1 929 383 8781
National Advertising Division Recommends SharkNinja Discontinue Claim that SpeedStyle Hair Dryer Results in “Up to 6x Less Frizz”
New York, NY – November 16, 2023 – In a Fast-Track SWIFT challenge brought by Dyson, Inc., the National Advertising Division (NAD) of BBB National Programs recommended that SharkNinja Operating, LLC discontinue the claim that its SpeedStyle hair dryer results in “up to 6x less frizz” versus air drying.
Fast-Track SWIFT is an expedited process designed for single-issue advertising cases brought to NAD.
The challenged claim, that use of the SpeedStyle with its RapidGloss Finisher styling attachment results in “up to 6x less frizz,” appeared in various places on Shark’s website and is accompanied by a disclosure that the comparison is “*vs. air-drying, based on a 600-person survey.” At issue for NAD was whether the survey Shark conducted was a good fit for the claim.
NAD determined that Shark’s survey was not a good fit for a claim touting a quantified reduction in the amount of frizz because it did not measure a numeric reduction in the amount of frizz through either objective measurement or subjective observations. Rather, the survey recorded whether the participants observed the presence or absence of “frizz” after air drying or after drying hair with the Shark SpeedStyle and the RapidGloss attachment.
Therefore, NAD recommended Shark discontinue the “up to 6x less frizz” versus air drying claim but noted that nothing in its decision precludes Shark from making other supported claims relating to the perception of frizz based on a reliable survey.
In its advertiser statement, Shark stated that it “will comply with NAD’s decision” although it “disagrees with NAD’s finding that Shark’s evidence was not a good fit for the claim that Shark SpeedStyle with RapidGloss finisher can result in up to 6 times less frizz as compared to air drying.”
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
jrosenberg@bbbnp.org
Job Title: Media Relations
National Advertising Division Finds RxSugar® Does Not Suggest Prescription Grade; Recommends Nutrishus Brands Discontinue or Modify Certain Other Claims
New York, NY – November 15, 2023 – The National Advertising Division (NAD) of BBB National Programs concluded that the brand name “RxSugar®” does not suggest that the product is prescription grade, however, NAD recommended that Nutrishus Brands, Inc. modify or discontinue certain RxSugar® claims:
- Qualifying the RxSugar® name to avoid conveying the message that RxSugar is or contains sugar;
- Modifying the phrase “plant-based certified sugar” to make clear that the certification pertains to the plant-based attribute of RxSugar® products; and
- Discontinuing the claim that RxSugar® is “real sugar . . . just like your traditional sugar, except for one piece. It is missing one particular molecule, so the body doesn’t recognize it as sugar” or modifying it to accurately illustrate the chemical differences between RxSugar® and sugar.
The claims at issue were challenged by the Sugar Association, Inc., a trade group that represents the interests of the sugar industry and supports scientific research and consumer education about the role of sugar in human health.
Nutrishus’ RxSugar® brand is made from allulose, a “rare” sugar that is chemically distinct from sucrose (table sugar) and differs from sucrose in a number of ways, including how it is metabolized in the human body.
Product Name
NAD concluded that the use of “Rx” did not convey the express message that RxSugar® products were prescription or prescription grade products, nor the alleged implied message that RxSugar® products were healthier than regular sugar.
However, NAD determined that the name RxSugar® expressly conveys the misleading message that RxSugar® products contain sugar (sucrose) and that the labeling elements, including the statement of identity, did not make it clear that the product is allulose sugar – an alternative to sugar as consumers commonly understand the term. Therefore, NAD recommended that the RxSugar® name be modified, including qualifying the name to avoid conveying the message that RxSugar® is or contains sugar.
Certified Sugar
NAD concluded that the phrase “plant-based certified sugar,” as it was presented in Nutrishus’ QVC commercial, was misleading because it was not clear what the phrase means or what exactly is being certified. Therefore, NAD recommended that the claim be modified to make clear that the certification pertains to the plant-based attribute of RxSugar® products.
Just Like Your Traditional Sugar
NAD determined that the statement that allulose is “just like your traditional sugar except for one piece…” oversimplifies the chemistry at issue and conveys a misleading message about the differences between allulose and sugar as consumers commonly understand the term. NAD therefore recommended that Nutrishus discontinue the claim that RxSugar® is “. . . just like your traditional sugar, except for one piece. It is missing one particular molecule so the body doesn’t recognize it as sugar” or modify it to accurately illustrate the chemical differences between RxSugar® and sugar.
In its advertiser statement, Nutrishus stated it “will comply with NAD’s decision” and that it is “pleased to include additional information on its label and in its advertising so that there can be no mistake that RxSugar® is not what is commonly known as ‘sugar’ (sucrose).” Nutrishus further stated that it “supports any direction that further highlights the products’ distinction” from sugar.
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
LexisNexis Expands Legal Generative AI Ecosystem for Lawyers & Law Schools
Company launches Lexis Snapshot with free preview for commercial customers and introduces Lexis Create enhanced with generative AI capabilities in Microsoft Word
NEW YORK – LexisNexis® Legal & Professional, a leading global provider of information and analytics, today announced the expansion of its generative AI-enabled legal product ecosystem that supports conversational search, intelligent legal drafting, insightful summarization, and document analysis. According to an early user survey, the recently launched Lexis+ AI™ is already driving significant productivity benefits; and select law school faculty are next in line to experience Lexis+ AI. LexisNexis is introducing a new generative AI service called Lexis® Snapshot that alerts users to summaries of legal documents across the LexisNexis portfolio, and Lexis+ AI capabilities are now available in the Lexis® Create document drafting tool that’s integrated into Microsoft Word.
Lexis+ AI
Lexis+ AI is a generative AI solution designed to transform legal work. Its answers are grounded in the world’s largest repository of accurate and exclusive legal content from LexisNexis with industry-leading data security and attention to privacy. LexisNexis is focused on the continuous improvement of Lexis+ AI through customer feedback and the rapid development and introduction of new features and capabilities.
According to a survey among commercial preview customers, 86% agree that Lexis+ AI is easy to use. Respondents also report that Lexis+ AI is driving significant productivity gains in law firms:
- 89% estimate they will save up to 6 hours per week on summarizing case law
- 78% estimate they will save up to 4 hours per week on legal drafting
- 77% estimate they will save up to 6 hours per week uploading and summarizing documents
- 74% estimate they will save up to 7 hours per week on legal research
“Lexis+ AI is a fascinating product worth using to save time,” said Judy Andresen, Business and Legal Research Analyst, DLA Piper.
Greg Lambert, Chief Knowledge Services Officer at Jackson Walker LLP strongly agrees Lexis+ AI is both useful and trustworthy. “I have found the ability to prompt the legal research tool with a common language query to be extremely useful and the results have been very good. It gives me a great place to start.”
According to Sukhdeep Gosal, Deputy District Attorney, Sutter County District Attorney’s Office, Lexis+ AI “works great with simple, quick questions you need answered without having to go through a whole bunch of cases or laws.”
To date, Lexis+ AI has been developed with commercial preview users from leading global law firms, corporate legal departments, U.S. small law firms, and U.S. courts, and the company plans to expand its commercial preview program to legal professionals in Canada, the UK, France, and Australia in 2024.
Now, law school librarians, legal research and writing, and legal technology professors at all U.S. American Bar Association (ABA) accredited law schools will have access to Lexis+ AI. Feedback from this set of customers will be used to further refine the solution, develop cutting-edge and ethical AI education tools, and inform the product’s introduction to additional faculty.
Lexis Snapshot
LexisNexis is also injecting generative AI capabilities across its product portfolio. The new Lexis Snapshot service utilizes the power of generative AI to deliver summarized complaint filings for civil cases across the U.S. Federal District Court. Snapshot delivers key insights including the nature of the case, plaintiff and defendant information, alleged harm, and requested remedies, which saves hours of research time and accelerates both business development opportunities and response time.
The alerting service ensures business development and client impacts are identified as quickly as possible. At launch, the Lexis Snapshot service can be added to CourtLink, with a view to expand the service to additional products and document types within the LexisNexis generative AI-enabled legal product ecosystem in future releases. The Lexis Snapshot service will be free to preview for CourtLink customers through the end of 2023.*
Lexis Create
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New-look MICHELIN Guide Ceremony Heralds New 3-Starred Restaurant in Chicago
- Chicago’s Smyth earns three MICHELIN Stars
- New York restaurants odo and Sushi Noz each receive two Stars
- Inspectors award new Green Stars in New York and Chicago
- 12 restaurants earn MICHELIN Stars for the first time
NEW YORK, Nov. 7, 2023 — The first MICHELIN Guide Ceremony bringing together New York, Chicago and Washington, D.C., definitely packed a punch, with a new three- MICHELIN-Starred restaurant and two new two-Stars.
Chicago’s Smyth was awarded its third MICHELIN Star, and New York restaurants odo and Sushi Noz each took home two Stars. Chicago’s Daisies received a MICHELIN Green Star, as did Dirt Candy and Family Meal at Blue Hill in New York.
“The famously anonymous MICHELIN Guide inspectors delivered huge news to punctuate a one-night-only celebration for these three culinary communities – buzzing with excitement and emotion, support and encouragement,” said Gwendal Poullennec, the International Director of the MICHELIN Guides. “These milestone announcements solidify these cities as some of the best places in the world to visit for culinary adventures.”
Chicago
- Smyth steals the show, but Daisies commands spotlight with Green Star
- Inspectors name two new MICHELIN-Starred eateries in the Windy City
- Selection comprises 154 restaurants and 38 types of cuisine
“The inspectors have been carefully monitoring the progress at Smyth, especially since it earned two MICHELIN Stars in 2017,” Poullennec said. “They unanimously decided that now is the time to reward the restaurant, Chefs John Shields and Karen Urie Shields, and their staff for delivering peak creativity, precision and teamwork. This is an elite restaurant.”
Here are the new MICHELIN-Starred restaurants, with inspector notes from each (inspectors’ comments in full on the MICHELIN Guide website and mobile app):
Three MICHELIN Stars
Smyth (West Loop; contemporary/creative cuisine)
The very chic Smyth, with its lounge styling and open kitchen, is helmed by Chefs John Shields and Karen Urie Shields. Their cooking is bold and often pushes boundaries, all the while impressing. Sheer creativity is applied to seasonal produce, some of which comes from their garden. A quail egg, gently smoked and topped with caviar, is given a twist with barley caramel. Resting inside its shell, plump Maine uni, amplified with a divine peach gel and wasabi cream, is both stunning and memorable. The chefs’ creativity is on full display in an utterly unique Dungeness crab dish, while wagyu sided by a truffle-flavored doughnut with marrow glaze is yet another hit.
One MICHELIN Star
Atelier (Lincoln Square; American cuisine)
In full view of the dining room, Chef Christian Hunter and his team chart new waters, ever determined to make their own mark on this intimate space. Working quietly and seamlessly, the kitchen delivers a carefully calibrated tasting menu supported by nearby farms and packed with flavor and originality. Familiar dishes like marinated beets, pimento cheese and Caesar salad arrive remodeled and refined, astutely seasoned, and never a leaf or morsel out of place. Hope that the warm clam chowder with lamb bacon and chive oil is still available. It’s a total showstopper.
Indienne (River North; Indian cuisine)
In a city where kitchens break molds and defy expectations, Chef Sujan Sarkar makes a splash of his own on this quiet strip of River North. À la carte is available, but first timers should start with the tasting menu, where Sarkar delivers an original, modern vision of Indian cuisine. His food may look like pieces of art but taste like familiar favorites pulled from across his vibrant homeland. At times showcasing a hint of French sensibility, pani puris, chats and curries arrive deftly spiced and elegantly presented. The kitchen is quick, and the overall effect is impressive refinement.
MICHELIN Green Star
Daisies (Logan Square; Italian cuisine)
Chef/owner Joe Frillman’s menu focuses on produce, and much of that produce comes from his brother’s 30-acre farm, 70 miles outside the city. The restaurant has a fermentation program to preserve produce and limit waste, as well as a compost program to fertilize the farm’s soil and feed its chickens. Its goal is to source local, sustainable food whenever possible and to minimize its footprint by finding uses for commonly discarded items.
Special Awards – Chicago
In addition to the new Bib Gourmand restaurants and Stars, the Guide announced four special awards:
New York
- 8 New York eateries receive MICHELIN Star awards for first time
- Dirt Candy and Family Meal at Blue Hill earn MICHELIN Green Stars
- Selection comprises 421 restaurants and 62 types of cuisine
“The rise of odo and Sushi Noz has been swift and stunning,” Poullennec said. “These restaurants boast exquisite ingredients and intricate preparation, capped off with the meticulous presentation and attentive service.”
Two MICHELIN Stars
odo (Flatiron; Japanese cuisine)
A serene atmosphere awaits in-the-know diners at this secluded counter, closed off from the cocktail bar in front to foster a mood of intimacy. The service, like the ambience, is warm but unobtrusive, allowing focus to fall on the singular kaiseki menu on offer. Under the assured hand of namesake Chef Hiroki Odo, the cuisine skillfully blends tradition and creative personal touches for a meal that is anything but stuffy.
Flavors are both vibrant and precise, with a depth and purity that attests to superbly sourced ingredients and careful preparation. From a savory broth with impeccably cooked tilefish, lifted with locally grown yuzu, to springy house-made soba noodles with indulgently rich salmon roe, this is cooking that will linger in the memory.
Sushi Noz (Upper East Side; Japanese/sushi cuisine)
There is a certain energy that courses through this sacred space, where every detail recreates an intimate Japanese refuge. Some of the tools alone are marvels, and Chef Nozomu Abe is a meticulous and engaging craftsman. When booking, keep an eye out for his dates and time slots. Commence with cooked dishes like pearly sea perch with fresh ponzu dipping sauce and slender pieces of meltingly tender ice fish. Miso soup is the perfect backdrop for silky-soft eel “noodles” with salted egg yolk and crispy tofu pieces, while sushi is jewel-like. True to Japanese hospitality, kimono-dressed staff and the chef himself see guests off with a spirit of gratitude.
One MICHELIN Star
bōm (Flatiron; Korean cuisine)
bōm, a spacious and modern marble counter tucked behind sister restaurant Oiji Mi, showcases contemporary Korean fare. Chef Brian Kim and team have it down to every last detail, with elegant service and well-executed dishes. Of course, there is premium beef ranging from tenderloin and Wagyu short rib to dry-aged ribeye, but there is so much more than just meat here. The dishes display a tight narration, and the presentations are stunning.
Essential by Christophe (Upper West Side; French Contemporary cuisine)
Chef Christophe Bellanca’s dishes echo a simple elegance, evidenced by plump white asparagus on a fragrant bergamot-flavored crème with a refreshing herb vinaigrette and paper-thin slices of watermelon radish. French technique is married with Asian flavors in a dish of three blue prawns with genmaicha tuille, and braised black sea bass with shiitake chutney, razor clams and a turmeric emulsion is memorable.
Jōji (Midtown East; Japanese/Sushi cuisine)
Three chefs — Xiao Lin, Wayne Cheng and George Ruan — who cut their teeth at Masa now shine in this ritzy location at the base of the gleaming and impressive One Vanderbilt. Jōji has big expectations (and commensurate pricing), but this omakase spot, where tradition reigns but never feels stuffy, rises to the challenge. From the selection of fish (largely sourced from Toyosu Market) to the variety of dishes, a meal here hits all the right notes.
Meju (Queens-Long Island City; Korean cuisine)
This chef’s counter is as much a classroom as it is a restaurant. Chef Hooni Kim is a worthy guide as he builds a deeply personal menu around traditional Korean ingredients that he’s been wild fermenting and aging for the last decade. Dazzling versions of doenjang, gochujang, ganjang and ssamjang shine with silky tofu, fried pancakes, Miyazaki beef and Niman Ranch pork. He brings the room together and impresses with carefully calibrated dishes that appear strikingly minimalist.
Restaurant Yuu (Brooklyn-Williamsburg; French Contemporary cuisine)
Restaurant Yuu pours on the drama, albeit in a supremely elegant way. Chef Yuu Shimano creates dishes that are classically French, but seen through the eyes of Japanese omotenashi. Diners are treated to around 20 courses that could include decadent bites like toasted brioche, made in house by pastry chef Masaki Takahashi, topped with foie gras and a delicate cut of binchotan-seared wagyu.
Shmoné (West Village; Israeli cuisine)
Many kitchens boast about using fresh ingredients, but Shmoné takes that philosophy to another level, creating a new menu daily (though some items stick around). Chef Eyal Shani’s cooking relies on the grill all the way through to dessert, where grilled figs atop Chantilly cream have made an appearance. The flavors are impressively dialed-in and make for a focused meal that is surprisingly approachable and humble.
Sushi Ichimura (Tribeca; Japanese/sushi cuisine)
Among real sushi enthusiasts, Chef Eiji Ichimura is a household name. His career in the city spans two decades, and his commitment to edomae-style omakase has shaped this city’s sushi sensibility. He now finds himself in Tribeca behind a 10-seat counter made from gorgeous cedar wood. He works meticulously and at his own pace, slicing fish flown in from Japan three times a week.
Torrisi (SoHo/Nolita; Italian-American/Contemporary cuisine)
Nestled inside the landmark Puck Building, this highly imaginative restaurant expertly balances the creative and the familiar. Chefs Rich Torrisi, Mario Carbone and Charlie England and team cater to excited diners, who feast on items like the escarole and endive salad and chicken stracciatella soup with textbook chicken broth, fluffy egg and savory meatballs. It’s the boule, baked, finished on the grill and filled with dreamy clams, that’s pure aromatic bliss.
MICHELIN Green Star
Dirt Candy (Lower East Side; vegetarian cuisine)
Chef Amanda Cohen aims for a meat-free supply chain, seeking to help change the way diners think about vegetables. The restaurant focuses on hyper-local products to make a global impact, including ordering seasonal produce and dairy products from nearby farms. The kitchen uses electric, and the staff reduces and repurposes food waste whenever possible. The restaurant’s wine list is a tribute to women winemakers producing biodynamic wines. Dirt Candy also emphasizes support for its employees by eliminating tipping, offering a health plan and subsidizing educational opportunities.
Family Meal at Blue Hill (Greenwich Village; contemporary cuisine)
Vegetables are a primary ingredient in the menu offered by Chef Mark Ordaz, and they are paired with grains, legumes and dairy, while meat and fish play a supporting role. Chef maintains relationships with several farmers, which allows them to find out promising products that often go overlooked. The restaurant also has an organic rooftop garden. Sustainability education of the staff is also a key component for the restaurant, which also has a composting program, sustainably sourced walnut tables and LED lighting.
Special Awards – New York
In addition to the new Bib Gourmand restaurants and Stars, the Guide announced five special awards:
Washington, D.C.
- 25 restaurants receive MICHELIN Stars, including two new 1-Stars
- Selection comprises 122 restaurants and 37 types of cuisine
“The MICHELIN Guide inspection team is delighted add the international flavors of Causa and Rania to the Washington selection of Starred establishments,” Poullennec said. “These world-class restaurants blend tradition with innovation to deliver a delicious meal and memorable experience.”
One MICHELIN Star
Causa (Blagden Alley; Peruvian cuisine)
Chef Carlos Delgado delivers a taste of his birthplace in a dual-concept space in Blagden Alley. Nestled on the first floor, Causa seats around 20 for a tasting menu that takes diners on a journey of flavors inspired by the topography of Peru. It all begins in Lima with coastal seafood, then progresses into the Andes and the Amazon.
Rania (Penn Quarter; Indian cuisine)
This fine dining concept seems fit for a queen, and good thing too, since Rania translates to “queen” in Hindi and Sanskrit. Chef Chetan Shetty delivers something entirely enticing here with his inventive menu. There are plenty of contemporary touches along with a few surprises (think braised pork belly vindaloo).
Special Awards – Washington, D.C.
In addition to the new Bib Gourmand restaurants and Stars, the Guide announced four special awards:
The MICHELIN Guide Ceremony is presented with the support of Capital One.
Hotels
The restaurants join the MICHELIN Guide selection of hotels, which features the most unique and exciting places to stay in New York, Washington, Chicago, and throughout the world.
Each hotel in the selection has been chosen by MICHELIN Guide experts for its extraordinary style, service, and personality — with options for all budgets — and each can be booked directly through the MICHELIN Guide website and app. Standouts from the selection include the rejuvenated Hotel Chelsea in New York, the character-filled Riggs in Washington, and the iconic Soho House in Chicago.
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.
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