CVS Settles FTC Charges over AirShield

PROVIDENCE, R.I.—CVS Pharmacy Inc. reached a settlement with FTC on charges the company used deceptive advertising for its “AirShield” dietary supplements. Under terms of the order, to be entered in U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island, CVS will pay $2.78 million in consumer redress, must identify purchasers of the product through its loyalty card program and Internet sales records, and may not claim any CVS brand product can reduce the risk of colds and flu or improve immune health without substantiation. FTC has reached similar settlements over the promotion of cold and flu dietary supplements with Rite Aid (July 2009) and Airborne (August 2008).