Dannon — maker of the yogurt brand Activia — has been ordered to pay $21 million by the Federal Trade Commission in relation to charges of overstating the health claims of its probiotic yogurt products.
The Activia brand of yogurt was advertised as having "probiotics" or live bacteria that provide protection against the common cold and flu, helping with irregularity, and preventing colon cancer, with the bacteria itself named and trademarked as Bifidus Regularis by the company. However, the FTC has noted that none of these claims have been proven.
Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal says: "Dannon outrageously overplayed the health power of yogurt - making unscientific claims about promoting good digestion, preventing flu and enhancing health."
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December 19, 2025 15:10 ET U.S. inflation data and interest rate decisions by major central banks were the highlights of this busy week for economics news flow. Employment data and survey results on the housing markets also gained attention in the U.S. In Europe, the European Central Bank and Bank of England announced their policy decisions and macroeconomic projections.