UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20580
Division of Enforcement
Bureau of Consumer Protection
Mr. Joseph Paternoster
President
Selectrode Industries, Inc.
230 Broadway
Huntington Station, New York 11746
Re: Selectrode Industries, Inc., File No. 982 3483
Dear Mr. Paternoster:
The Division of Enforcement staff has conducted an investigation involving an allegation that Selectrode Industries, Inc. ("Selectrode") violated the Federal Trade Commission's "all or virtually all" standard for domestic country of origin claims and Section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act.
The staff received a complaint that Selectrode has represented to a buyer that Selectrode's aluminum electrodes are made in the USA, when they are actually manufactured in Europe. According to Selectrode, all electrodes sold to this buyer (all of which were sold in packages with a "Made in USA" claim) should have been filled from Selectrode's inventory of electrodes manufactured in the United States. Selectrode noted, however, that it is possible that in fulfilling the buyer's order, electrodes could have been taken from the incorrect inventory. Selectrode has assured staff that it has taken appropriate steps to ensure that this mistake will not be repeated.
The staff has concluded that no further action is warranted by the Commission at this time. Accordingly, the investigation has been closed. This action is not to be construed as a determination that a violation may not have occurred, just as the pendency of an investigation should not be construed as a determination that a violation has occurred. The Commission reserves the right to take such further action as the public interest may require.
Sincerely,
Elaine D. Kolish
Associate Director