FTC Approves Final Order Settling Charges that Oreck Corporation Made False and Unproven Claims That Its Ultraviolet Vacuum and Air Cleaner Can Prevent Illness

Following a public comment period, the Federal Trade Commission finalized the Order settling charges that Oreck Corporation made false and unproven claims that two of its appliances can reduce the risk of flu and other illnesses, and eliminate virtually all common germs and allergens.  The company also agreed to pay $750,000.

Under the proposed administrative settlement announced last month, Oreck agreed to stop making claims that the Oreck Halo vacuum and the Oreck ProShield Plus air cleaner:  prevent or substantially reduce the risk of flu; the Halo and the ProShield Plus prevent or substantially reduce the risk of other illnesses or ailments caused by bacteria, viruses, molds, and allergens – such as the common cold, asthma, and allergy symptoms; the Halo eliminates all or almost all common germs and allergens found on the floors in users’ homes, and is scientifically proven to do so; the Halo’s ultraviolet light is effective against germs, bacteria, dust mites, mold, and viruses embedded in carpets; and, the ProShield Plus eliminates all or almost all airborne particles from a typical household room under normal living conditions, and is scientifically proven to do so.

The Commission vote approving the final Order was 5-0.  (File No. 1023033; the staff contact is Matthew Gold, Western Region, San Francisco, 415-848-5176.)

Copies of the documents mentioned in this release are available from the FTC’s website at http://www.ftc.gov and from the FTC’s Consumer Response Center, Room 130, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20580.  Call toll-free: 1-877-FTC-HELP.