FTC Extends Its “Made in USA” Enforcement Push
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced on July 6, 2026, that it had sent seven warning letters to companies it says appear to have misrepresented products as “Made in the USA”—and, in one instance, as “Made in Texas”—that were imported in whole or in significant part. The letters follow an April 2026 enforcement sweep that […]
Court Applies FTC Green Guides in Igloo Marketing Lawsuit
A proposed class action challenging recycled content, biodegradability, and “Made in USA” claims on Igloo-brand cooler products can proceed, the Eastern District of New York ruled on February 2, 2026. The case concerns unqualified recycled content and biodegradability claims on the front labels of various Igloo products. According to the court, these include “Made From Biodegradable […]
Climate Neutral Labeling Lawsuit Dismissed by Court
A proposed class action lawsuit challenging Mondelēz International, Inc.’s labeling on its “Zbar” snack bars has been tossed by a federal judge, who held that the company’s “climate neutral certified” claim was factual and could not mislead a reasonable consumer. The court’s October 27, 2025, order turns on the inclusion of the word “certified” in the […]
California Settles $1.75M Lawsuit Over False Plastic Bag Recycling Claims, Launches Another
California’s attorney general has reached a $1.75 million settlement with four plastic bag producers and initiated a lawsuit against three more, alleging that the companies falsely claimed their plastic bags were recyclable to comply with a state ban on single-use plastic bags known as SB 270. According to the October 17, 2025, announcement, the defendants […]
Verdant Law to Lead ACA Webinar on FTC’s “Made in the USA” Enforcement
Verdant Law is pleased to announce that Phil Moffat and Irene Hantman will lead an American Coatings Association (ACA) webinar on the FTC’s renewed focus on “Made in the USA” claims. The session will be held on September 25, 2025, from 1–2pm ET. Although the current Trump administration has generally adopted a deregulatory stance, “Made […]
“Made in the USA” Claims Face Renewed FTC Scrutiny
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has recently intensified enforcement of “Made in the USA” claims, signaling that such marketing representations remain a priority even amid broader deregulatory themes in the second Trump administration. In July, the commission designated “Made in the USA Month” and used the occasion to highlight the legal standards companies must meet […]
Clothing Accessories Companies Penalized for False Made in USA Claims
In August 2023, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) finalized a complaint and order against Chaucer Accessories, Inc. and two other companies owned by Thomas P. Bates for falsely labeling belts, shoes, and other products as “Made in the USA” (MUSA). The order includes a monetary judgment of $191,481. According to FTC, the New England-based companies […]
Walmart and Reynolds Sued Over Recyclable Plastic Bag Marketing Claim
The State Attorney General of Minnesota has filed a lawsuit against Walmart Inc. and Reynolds Consumer Products Inc. (the owner of the trash bag trademark “Hefty”) for falsely marketing their plastic bags as recyclable. The Complaint alleges violations of Minnesota’s Prevention of Consumer Fraud Protection Act, Deceptive Trade Practices Act, False Statement in Advertising Act, […]
FTC Finalizes Made in the USA Enforcement Action Against Motocross Parts Maker
Last month the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) took enforcement action against an ATV and motocross parts maker, Cycra, and one of its officers for falsely claiming the company’s products were manufactured in the United States. FTC’s complaint alleged Cycra made false or misleading Made in the United States (MUSA”) advertising claims in violation of the […]
Federal Trade Commission Seeks Comment on Green Guides
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) released a request for public comment on updating its Guides for the Use of Environmental Marketing Claims (“Green Guides”), which provides guidelines for businesses that want to use environmental marketing claims in their advertising and labeling. The Green Guides aim to help businesses avoid making deceptive or misleading environmental. This […]